Our Story

The Bert Jones Memorial Fund was founded by Tift County High Blue Devils Coach Gene Brodie after his 17 year old star receiver, Bert Jones, passed away in a single car accident on May 2, 1992. Bert's mother, Linda Hallman greatly influenced the creation of the memorial fund and was detrimental in the fund being passed on to Bert's father, Wayne Jones, two years later. During his junior football season, Bert made all-region catching 40 passes for 710 yards and 8 touchdowns, leading to what would've been an impeccable senior season. Bert had some amazing athletic accomplishments and was even honored in an issue of The Georgia High School Recruiting magazine after his passing, but he was most known for his unwavering faith. Bert accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 14 and was baptized at his home church, Alapaha Baptist Church in Alapaha, Ga. Everyone who encountered Bert could feel the love of Chirst through his exuberant personality and his ability to make people laugh. He was a role model for young athletes and a great friend and leader to his teammates.  

Originally the Bert Jones Memorial Fund was created as solely a scholarship foundation focused on the financial support of student athletes pursing higher education in honor of Bert's dream to play college football. In 2020, the name was changed to The Bert Jones Scholarship and Mission Foundation to include our ministry efforts using sports as a tool to lead young athletes to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. So far we have been able to bless so many young athletes by giving over 200 scholarships. In addition, we have sponsored many local and global mission teams.

 

Up until 2024, our scholarship and mission funds were unsolicited and provided by our Executive Director, Wayne Jones. Wayne retired from his job as a physical education teacher in May 2022 and retired from coaching football the following year after 30 years. However, he continues to hold a strong presence in the football community and has yet to stop mentoring young athletes. His vision for the Bert Jones Scholarship and Mission Foundation is to potentially reach those athletes in need outside of our South Georgia area. We have already made the beginning strides in this endeavor by giving scholarships in both North Georgia and Louisiana in 2023. We hope to continue to reach more and more youth in the name of Jesus Christ and make a positive impact in the sports community through Bert's story.