Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Dr. Iola Jones Park
Florence, South Carolina
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Dr. Iola Deas Jones is remembered for her enduring legacy of compassion and motivation. Educated in Florence's public schools, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from Morris College in Sumter, SC. Beginning her professional journey as a dedicated public school teacher, she later transitioned to serve as a child care case worker with the Welfare Department of Florence County, where she dedicated 28 years before retiring in 1965.
Dr. Jones, in collaboration with the National Council of Negro Women, played a pivotal role in establishing the Florence County Foster Home. Her expertise and commitment led to invitations from three U.S. presidents to participate in White House conferences focused on children and childcare. Throughout her life, Dr. Jones tirelessly worked to elevate living standards and enhance human welfare.
Recognizing the importance of recreational spaces for African American youth, Dr. Jones spearheaded the creation of Florence's first playground dedicated to their enjoyment. In acknowledgement of her significant contributions, Florence honored her by naming a park in her honor: Dr. Iola Jones Park.
Erected by City
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.
Location. 34° 12.42′ N, 79° 45.444′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. It can be reached from East Maxwell Street east of Oakland Avenue (South Carolina Road S-21-24), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 E Maxwell St, Florence SC 29506, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Iola Jones Park / American Legion Stadium (within shouting distance of this marker); Ebony Guest House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank Mandeville Rogers Jr. / Florence Tobacco Warehouse Company (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historic Downtown African American Business District (approx. 0.7 miles away); Trinity Baptist Church (approx. Ύ mile away); Civil Rights Sit-Ins (approx. 0.8 miles away); James Allen (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Lorax: Unless (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Additional keywords. NCNW
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 41 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
