Welcome.

We celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Risé Dawn Jones, a beloved family member, friend, colleague, mentor, and advocate for young people in the arts.

We have opened this website, as friends and family of Dr. Jones, for what she would call a “creative invitation” where you can “feel welcome to step into and express your full self” by writing a letter to Risé Dawn Jones.

Whether a cherished memory, a “creative connection” or loving last words you didn’t get the chance to share, we invite you to write whatever speaks to you. 

Dr. Jones’ life work was rooted in creative collaboration and building platforms to dream.

We hope this will be one of those platforms. 

“I want to…create art, create community and create new worlds of belonging, respect, and love.”

— Dr. Risé Dawn Jones

Risé was such an incredible colleague and friend. So many people have benefited from her knowledge, generosity, and artistry. Peace to you, my beautiful friend.

— Radhika Sharma Gordon

From Soula Toufexis Neumaier:

You are loved and respected beyond measure. There is a huge void in the atmosphere. Your talent, heart, friendship and laughter are so precious—you have touched so many lives and made them 3 dimensional. To say you will be missed is not even close. Love you my friend.

Dr. Risé Jones was a formative part of my youth. I will forever remember her big and contagious laugh that would light up a room in seconds. I will forever remember her passion for the arts and all creative endeavors, her dedicaction to her community, her love for teaching the next generation. Our community has lost a great performer, leader, & educator.

Thank you for all you have done Dr. Jones, and may you rest in peace knowing the positive impact you've had on thousands of lives.

— César Méndez

Risé was one of a kind! Beautiful inside and out, kind, caring, compassionate, and an accomplished singer!

Her gifts to our community are countless and Risé will be greatly missed.

My heart hurts to think I’ll never see her beautiful smile or hear her voice in person.

RIP Risé, your presence in this world will NEVER be forgotten!

— Hollie Gallien

Dr. Risé Jones was one of the most kind, creative, and giving individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I first connected with her to learn more about the dance program offered through SCORE! From our very first conversation, I was captivated by her passion for the arts and her unwavering dedication to the children she served.

Dr. Jones welcomed me with open arms, inviting me to shape the dance program with my own vision. Throughout my time working with her, she offered consistent encouragement, guidance, and professional development opportunities, always empowering me to grow. The warmth of her personality was unmatched—every time I saw her, she greeted me with a huge smile and a heartfelt hug.

I will always remember Risé as someone who loved the arts but loved people even more. She believed in creating access and opportunities for those with less and turned those beliefs into meaningful action. Dr. Jones embodied the spirit of service and generosity, inspiring everyone around her to do the same.

It was an honor to know her, to learn from her, and to witness her passion in motion. I hope to one day have the same profound effect on the children and colleagues I work with.

Thank you, Risé, for everything. I know you’re up there dancing. You are already deeply missed.

— Autumn Dobbeck

Dr. Jones was a wonderful person and had TONS of faith in me and my potential to grow and move past the social anxiety I had as a kid. She knew that I was struggling to even finish my undergraduate studies. I was actually going to write her a letter after I got my associates next semester to let her know that she was right to push me in the right direction all those years ago. She was a big inspiration and influence in my love for the arts, as well as the reason why I try to work hard to try to help my community.

— Marielena Nunez

Dear Risé: I will miss our lunches. Our conversations of dreams for programs that nourish others and bring joy. I will miss our outings to enjoy the music of others. I regret that we will never sing together. My grandchildren will miss your support for their artistic dreams. (Thank you for attending Diana's hip hop dance recital last year!!!) The support you have given young people and the institutions of our community will be a lasting memorial to all that you have created and contributed. My friend, I know you will be watching us carry on your work, cheering as we do what you have taught us what and how to do---to love and praise one another as we make our dreams come true---Your sister in music, art, faith and friendship, Denise

— Rev. Denise Tracy

Make it stand out.

  • Dear Risé: You are truly one of the brightest lights I have ever met. You saw me grow up, from my participation in SCORE! as a 5th grader to seeing me off to college, it was always an honor to be in your presence, and I always learned something new about how to contribute to my community. So grateful I got to share so much of my life with you, Dr. Jones! A beauty inside and out!

    — Emma Miller

  • Dear Risé: How blessed we all were to have known you! The love and dedication you had to your community went above and beyond…and I hope we can all continue to share your creativity, your inspiration and your ability to connect with each of us in such an intimate way. I will always cherish the experiences we shared and will miss seeing your beautiful smile. Rest in Peace my sweet friend, until we meet again! Love, Danae

    — Danae Molitor

  • Dear Risé: You have been a great friend and colleague to my sister. Deanna Cates for decades. As a result of that friendship you became a beautiful part of our family. You were always so kind to us, especially my mother who will be in heaven to meet you. What a wonderful woman and talent! You will be greatly missed by all.

    — Kathryn Moeckel

Dear Risé: It was always wonderful to hear you sing, and even greater privilege to sing and Harmonize with you , like we did with Margaret and Marm!

— Richard Brasure

Dear Risé: All I need to do is close my eyes and I can see your wonderful smile, and hear your infectious laugh. I am so privileged to be able to call you my friend. You brightened my life in grad school, and then went on to do great things. Not many people live a life of service like you, who are able to spread your love of life through music and the arts to those who need it most, enriching the lives of others. You were a one of a kind and will be missed by so many. Much love to you, my friend.

— Amy Lilly

From Corinne McCurdy:

Dear Risé: I just want to thank you for everything you've done for the children of our community. My daughter loved being apart of Hamilton Wings. It was an highlight of her childhood. You definitely will be missed.

Dear Risé: Oh how the heart hurts of a child when their mother is not here in this world with them. It hurts deeply, and even though we are not blood related I have always considered you as a mother figure. We all love you so much. We met when I was a shy 4th grade student and through your leadership and guidance you gave me so much tools and resources to be the woman I am now. Please say hello to all the Angels we have lost too and are in heaven with you. SOAR very high and look after us.

— Estephania Sanchez

Dear Risé: You have been one of the greatest supporters of our multicultural Education Group summer camp and always fill the kids with love and energy. We thank you so much for your unwavering support. We will missed you so much and know we will always have you in our hearts forever. Your angel voice will linger in our memories we share past, present and future. We love and missed you.

— Aloun Khotisene

Dear Risé: It strikes me that the last gift I ever gave you was a metronome for being your so gracious self to sing "Abide in Me" and "Ave Maria" at my Mother-in-law's funeral. My grandmother and your grand aunt used to have one on the piano she used to have when she babysat you, my sister, and myself when you were about 4, 5, and 6. We all loved to play on that piano, you especially. Harbinger of the you in the eventuality. In that same dining room was a dining room table where we spent the the majority of our time being babysat there, reading every page of every volume of the World Book Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia Britannica, often with your grandma there as well, many times with the rest of their other living two sisters, too. They forged us, you, me, and my sister to revere education, research, and the arts.

I always marveled but was not surprised at what you would become and how you would contribute so bounteously to this Earth. How you inspired many to pursue their passions in the arts, especially all those children you placed your tender touch to spark something in them many didn't even know they had. How you were so adamant to pursue answers to questions in your academic and professional life. Always without a trace of hubris or any real self serving. Always smiling and using your secret weapon to disarm which was your laugh.

Indeed, your lack of presence here leaves a noticeable hole, Rise'. Nevertheless, the way you lived your life insured that you will always live in the hearts of many and their progeny. Can't think of a legacy more beautiful than that.

— John Marshall Jr.