The Faces Behind the Story

Vintage family photographs documenting the Jones family’s journey from World War II through the Selma movement and beyond.

These photographs span three generations: from Clarence Sr.’s military service in World War II and Carrie’s early years in the Good Samaritan Nursing Program, raising nine children in 1960s Selma, to the accomplished adults those children became. Each image tells part of the story of life in Selma in the 1950s and 60s, and how one family prepared for and participated in the movement that changed America.

Click on images to enlarge.

Young Nurse Carrie Outside Good Samaritan Hospital.

Clarence Sr. and Carrie’s Prom photo.

18-year-old Carrie in Prom dress.

1410 Saint Ann Street, Selma, AL.

Clarence Sr. in Full Military Dress Uniform.

Clarence Sr. in front of WW II ammunitions truck.

Clarence Sr., on far right, with military friends in Europe.

Clarence Sr. on motorcycle alongside ammunitions truck.

Young Uncle Larry in Army dress uniform.

Young Uncle John in Army dress uniform.

Brother Anthony front row far left with his military paratrooper platoon.

Young Clarence Sr.

Young Gwendolyn, Carolyn, and Yolanda in front of 1421 Sylvan Street.

Young Gwendolyn, Carolyn, and Joan.

Young Carrie with baby Carolyn and little Gwen. Large pecan in background.

2-yr-old twins Clarence (l) and Fred (r), in Carrie’s tailored suits.

Three-year-old twins Clarence Jr., and Frederick Hudson High School Day pictures.

Clarence Jr., 3-year old School Day Picture at Hudson High.

Clarence Jr., St. Elizabeth School Picture 2nd Grade.

Carolyn, age 8, school day pictures at Saint Elizabeth.

Yolanda, age 7, school day pictures at Saint Elizabeth.

Joan, age 4, school day pictures at Saint Elizabeth.

Joan, age 5, school day pictures at Saint Elizabeth.

Yolanda, age 6, school day pictures at Saint Elizabeth.

Aunt Lizzie, with in Good Samaritan Premi-Ward with twins Christopher and Anthony.

Young twins Anthony (l) and Christopher (r) wear Carrie's home sewn suits.

Young twins Anthony (l) and Christopher (r) in living room of 1421 Sylvan Street.

Young Christopher (l) and Anthony (r) with young adult Carolyn in Atlanta’s Grove Park.

Carrie's children’s First Holy Communion with Sister Marie Helen and Father Ouellette.

Young Jones siblings in Moss’s swimming pool at annual picnic.

Carrie and children at Mother’s Day celebration.

Carrie and children at Mother’s Day celebration. Clarence Jr., Carrie, Yolanda, Nell, Carolyn, Frederick, Gwendolyn, Edrena Parnell, and Joan.

Carrie celebrates Sherman’s Birthday with cousins and friends.

Caroly in Fifth Grade group photo outside St. Elizabeth Catholic School.

Young Clarence Jr., in Easter Boycott outfit of overalls and white shirt.

Cousin James Harold takes shot after 12 ft basketball goal raising. Clarence Jr., and Frederick in foreground; young twin Christopher and neighbor in background.

Cousin James Haroldstanding in background after 12 ft basketball goal raising. Clarence Jr., and Frederick in foreground right, neighbor left, and young Sherman and Christopher in second row.

Eighth Grade Twins Clarence Jr., and Frederick in Hudson H.S. band uniforms.

Carolyn in Junior Class group photo at Holy Rosary Institute.

Clarence Sr., on night out with oldest daughter, College Freshman Gwendolyn.

Gwendolyn Jones Senior Year at Holy Rosary Institute.

Gwendolyn, age 19, College Freshman at Cleveland State University.

Young big sister Rubie, receiving outstanding service award at Good Samaritan.

Big sister Rubie, day off from work.

Young Adult Carolyn Jones.

Clarence Jr., far right, R.B. Hudson High Junior Varsity winning Basketball Team.

Carrie’s oldest brother, Uncle Willie, opening his Podiatry Clinic.

2-year old Shelia and Jeffrey in Christmas Cars.

Carrie's youngest sibling Larry, with local Micronites Band.

Hettie Lundy with oldest son Dr. Willie Lundy.

Young Judge Gwendolyn Jones Thomas.

Carrie with her five adult daughters – Gwendolyn, Carolyn, Shelia, Yolanda, and Joan.

Carrie's ten adult children.

Canning by Yolanda.

Pizza special by Yolanda.

Gumbo soup by Carolyn.

Pops, Shelia, Carrie at Shelia Marie's Graduation.

Shelia Marie Graduation. Shelia, Pops, Carrie (Center).

Carrie at Mother’s Day service with children and grandchildren.

Brown Chapel AME Church.

Green Street Baptist Church.

Tabernacle Baptist, Selma.

About These Photographs

These images document one family's journey through some of America's most challenging and transformative years. From Clarence Sr.'s service in World War II to his widow Carrie raising nine children to become foot soldiers in the civil rights movement, these photographs preserve what might otherwise be lost to history.

All photographs are from the Jones family collection and are used with permission ONLY.