FRANKLIN

Earva Lee “Sumblin” Jones has announced she’s running for the seat on the Southampton Board of Supervisors to represent the Franklin district, which includes the Fairground and Bethel Friends Meeting House precincts.

In a statement released to The Tidewater News, Jones stated, “I am running for this position because I believe that the residents of the Franklin district and other districts deserve a break from taxes.”

Her slogan is: “Our 10 cents.”

She continued, “In order to affect change in the lives of people, you must first understand their need, and be willing to offer opportunities to meet that need. In Southampton County, I see that need to be ‘our 10 cents.’”

Going from door to door, Jones wants to sit and talk with people about how her 50 years of life experience qualifies her for the position of supervisor.

The self-described lifelong resident of Southampton County said she had once served as vice chairman of the county’s Electoral Board. Jones also said she was among the first 10 official students to graduate from Paul D. Camp Community College with a certificate in steno-clerical arts in 1972, then awarded an associate degree in secretarial science in 1973, which was the first public graduating class.

In addition to having earned a bachelor of science degree in organizational management from Saint Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, Sumblin stated, she has a financial studies certificate from the America Institution of Banking, Tax Certification from H&R Tax School, Franklin.

She formerly marketed financial products for Primerica Financial Services Investments Inc. where she held series: 6, 26 and 63 security licenses, and was a registered principal by NASD Inc. Jones also said she operated a sales marketing office for many years, marketing mutual funds and other financial products in Boykins and Franklin.

On completing entrepreneurial studies at Thomas Nelson Community College and Lucas Travel School of Travel & Tourism, Jones opened her own travel agency, GRUP Opportunity Travel in Boykins in 1993. After several years, she relocated to Courtland, and later moved to Franklin. This is now a home-based business.

Jones stated her faith is rooted and grounded in God, and she believes everyone has the right to have their concerns heard and respected.

She has a bachelor of science degree in biblical studies and a master’s degree in Christian education from Triple “C” Bible College in Ahoskie, North Carolina.

The daughter of the late Tom and Lizzie Jones, Jones is the widow of Freddie Douglas Sumblin and the mother of Lynnora Sumblin, Angel Sumblin and the late Douglas “Mr. D” Sumblin. She’s also the grandmother of Justin C. Sumblin.

Sumblin will host what she calls “gathering spots” for voters to learn more about her platform and how they can join the “10 cents” movement. The first of those will be in the Ruth Camp Campbell Library on Armory Drive on Wednesday, July 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

“Bring your questions and suggestions,” she stated. “I look forward to meeting you.”

To contact her, call or text at 404-402-1883 or email earvasumblin@aol.com.