Longtime community advocate Patricia Chisholm-Jones was presented the Four Oaks Proud Award by the Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce at its annual member appreciation dinner recently.
“The Four Oaks Proud Award is one of the Chamber’s highest honors, presented annually to an individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication, leadership and service — not only in support of the Chamber, but for the betterment of the entire Four Oaks community,” a press release from the organization said.
“You see, I am standing here on the backs of all ancestors,” Chisholm-Jones said in her acceptance speech. “They helped mold and make me who you know I am today. Yep, no doubt about it, I am Four Oaks proud.
“There was … an international best selling book, ‘All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,’ by Robert Fulghum.” When I began school in Four Oaks, there was no kindergarten. Therefore, all I needed to know, I learned from all the people in Four Oaks, regardless of their culture.”
Chisholm-Jones, 85, grew up in town as the daughter of Henry Chisholm, who worked for 40 years for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad and Virginia Rodgers Chisholm, the head cook at Four Oaks Teacherage, Dixie Gordon’s restaurant and White Swan for more than 35 years.
“They taught me the names of foods and manners, (like) yes sir, no ma’am, thank you, no thank you and may I,” she said. “My community of many families demonstrated values. Everyone was sharing and caring for each other. … My first grade teacher, Ann Richardson, lived in our community, where teaching and learning never stopped.”
Chisholm-Jones went on to recall in her speech that Hunter Parker, the grandfather of former mayor and current Town Council member Linwood Parker, planted small acreages of tobacco and cotton for local children to learn the value of labor and commerce.
She learned those lessons from her family and community well enough to earn a bachelor’s degree in K-8 education from what is now Winston-Salem State University and a masters K-12 education from Ball State. She retired in 2005 after teaching for 32 years and serving another 17 as a school administrator.
“Pat is a woman who truly cares — about Four Oaks, its businesses and its people,” Four Oaks Chamber President Joan Pritchett said. “She sees a need and fills it. She sees a concern and addresses it. She lives by the three F’s: Fair, Friendly and Firm.”
Her contributions include leading the “Four Oaks Colorful Acorns” project, presented to the Johnston County Heritage Center. The project represents families of color in Four Oaks
dating back to the 1700s, a powerful tribute to the town’s history and diversity. She currently serves on UNC Health Johnston’s Board of Directors after a tenure on the Johnston Community College Board of Trustees.
She traces it all back to her early days in Four Oaks.
“The giving never ceased. My dear friend, Linwood continues the giving spirit today. If your family lived, or lived in Four Oaks … we have broken business grounds, welcomed businesses with sparkling juices and candy. That’s Four Oaks proud. Eight generations of calling Four Oaks my home (have) allowed me to see, feel and experience total respect for everyone.
“We can’t love until we respect. Everyone knows, I sleep in Smithfield, but live in Four Oaks.”
