ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni recognition program honored seven alumni, including “Rising Stars,” Cade Cockrell of Magee, and Shivum Desai of Hattiesburg, during Homecoming celebrations. Additionally, two alumni, Dr. Robert S. Billingsley of Laurel and Dr. Kaylie B. Wilkerson of Ellisville each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” In addition, Judge Stan Sorey of Raleigh was honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year,” while Ellisville native, and current Oxford, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia resident, Beverly Young Langford, Ph.D. was bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award and Billy Royce Folkes of Seminary was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient.
“Today, we have a distinguished group of alumni. These achievements span across many fields, and each honoree has a powerful reflection of their values, their spirit, and their excellence that define Jones College. This afternoon, we’re going to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments and hear how their time at Jones shaped their journeys,” shared Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith during the Alumni Homecoming Luncheon.
The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Jones College who has illustrated over the years continued support with consistent contributions as well as someone who has made an impact in their field of study to honor the college. Billy Royce Folkes was recognized for a lifelong career in education and leadership. After graduating from Sanford High School in 1956, he began his college education at JCJC, where he met his future wife.
“JCJC would pick up students from the surrounding counties in buses. I got on in Seminary and the bus went to Collins to pick up students. There was a beautiful, beautiful young lady sitting on the opposite side of the bus,” said Folkes. “That is how I met my wife of 67 years now, Sarah King Folkes. In chapel, you were assigned a seat and Sarah was assigned to a seat next to a guy named Terrell Tisdale. We were friends, but there was another man who was upset that Sarah liked me.”
Not long after graduating from Jones County Junior College, Folkes married Sarah while continuing his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1960 and later completed a Master of Combined Sciences at the University of Mississippi in 1963, along with doctoral coursework in education administration.
He began his career teaching mathematics in Greene County, and then taught at Rankin County, and Jackson Public Schools before serving as a math instructor and Administrative Assistant to the President and Director of Special Activities at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. In 1977, he served The University of Southern Mississippi in the roles of Director of Professional Development, Independent Study, USM Jackson Division of Continuing Education and Public Service, Assistant Dean in the Division of Lifelong Learning and Director of Administration in the College of International and Continuing Education. While working close to Ellisville, Folkes took on more responsibility at his alma mater, serving as President of the JCJC Alumni Association. He continued his career with Mississippi College in 1992, serving as the Director of Continuing Education until 1995.
“Mr. Billy Royce Folkes graduated from Jones, and he devoted his career to education and leadership, serving as a teacher and administrator, while leaving a legacy that shaped countless students and colleagues,” Smith shared. “While rearing an outstanding family, his son Wayne Folkes is on our Foundation Board and was honored as an outstanding leader in his own right. His sister, Madelyn Folkes Lofton came to Jones for two years, 1978-1980 and was on the Lady Bobcat Basketball team. Wayne’s two children, Will and Katie are also JC alumni along with their mother, Karen, who met Wayne on the bus to JC too.”
Billy Royce Folkes said he was honored to devote decades of his life to expanding education, professional development, and lifelong learning across Mississippi. Humbly, Folkes told friends and family at the JC Homecoming Alumni Luncheon, “There are a lot of people who came here who deserve this award more than me, but I thank you.”
The Covington County native’s legacy of service and commitment to advancing education has had an impact on countless students and colleagues, and that is why Jones College honored Billy Royce Folkes with the 2025 Legacy Award.