Mary Allen Jolley, the longtime trusted aide to the late U.S. Rep. Carl Elliott, passed away peacefully on Dec. 1 in Tuscaloosa at the age of 95. Although her death occurred in December, it gained wider attention on Jan. 9 after a piece written by AL.com columnist John Archibald. A funeral mass is set to take place on Friday, Jan. 12, at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa.
Jolley, hailing from Kinterbish, was a remarkable woman who received numerous honors and awards throughout her life. Her assisted living apartment showcased around 40 accolades, including two honorary doctorates, the University of Alabama Distinguished Alumna Award, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Realizing the Dream Founders Award for her work in the civil rights movement. Her nephew, Dr. William Loyd Allen, wrote her original obituary and praised her dedication to serving those in need.
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During her time working under Elliott, Jolley played a significant role in the passing of the National Defense Education Act of 1958, the first national student loan program. This was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the limited influence women had in Washington at the time. Jolley continued to make an impact in various posts with the Kennedy and Johnson administrations before becoming the vice president for Development at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina. During her tenure, she focused on providing education opportunities for women in non-traditional jobs.
From 1984 until her retirement in 1994, Jolley served as the University of Alabama’s Director of Economic and Community Affairs. One of her notable accomplishments in this role was the establishment of community-based Family Resource Centers, which eventually led to the creation of the Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers (ANFRC). Until her passing, Jolley remained a staunch supporter of these centers, which serve 44 counties in Alabama.
Jolley’s last project, “Accidental Activist,” her life story, is set to be published in the fall. Advance purchases of the book can be made by emailing her editorial assistant, Jan Pruitt. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers.
Elliott, in his autobiography “The Cost of Courage,” praised Jolley as a loyal friend who had been by his side for most of his life. He highlighted her upbringing in Sumter County, where her father was a cotton farmer and justice of the peace, and she grew up alongside Black families. This experience taught her not to hate or fear people of color, which was uncommon at the time.
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Jolley’s journey took her from being a teacher to working alongside Elliott in his political career. She played a vital role as his right-hand woman, supporting him in his legislative work and helping him navigate the complexities of Washington. Elliott commended Jolley’s idealism and her dedication to grassroots development programs in small and poor communities.
One of Jolley’s significant achievements was her involvement in the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Working alongside Elliott, she played a crucial role in hammering out the details of the bill, which created low-interest loans for millions of Americans to pursue higher education. Despite facing opposition due to the hot-button issues of race and religion, Jolley and Elliott tirelessly fought for equal educational opportunities for all.
Jolley’s impact extended beyond politics. She was instrumental in securing funding for the bill by reaching out to Mary Lasker, who had inherited a fortune from the adman responsible for the slogan “I’d walk a mile for a Camel.” Jolley’s involvement in political events, such as Lyndon Johnson’s visit to a Birmingham TV station, showcased her dedication and resourcefulness.
In her upcoming book, Jolley recounts the challenges faced by coal miners disabled by black lung disease and her efforts to persuade President Kennedy to install an elevator in the Jasper Federal Building. Her dedication to improving the lives of others was unwavering.
Mary Allen Jolley leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication. Her impact on education and civil rights will be remembered for years to come..
