MILWAUKEE — Lynda L Jones-Reyes, age 52, of Milwaukee, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Mrs. Jones-Reyes was the oldest daughter of Jerrel and Earnestine Jones.
A native of Milwaukee, Mrs. Jones-Reyes was a graduate of the University School of Milwaukee.
She also participated in the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism’s summer program during high school.
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Marquette University.
Mrs. Jones-Reyes was the editor-in-chief of the Milwaukee Courier Newspaper, the oldest African-American weekly newspaper in the city.
Although she achieved the position in 2004, she was a lifelong member of the Courier family. When she was three years old, her father founded the Courier.
Jones-Reyes lovingly referred to the paper as her “other sibling” and from the age of six could be found there, assisting and eventually leading the staff.
She was dedicated to her craft and an active member of the Black publishing community throughout her career.
Prior to her work as editor-in-chief at the Milwaukee Courier, she resided in Atlanta, Ga., for several years, working as the editor of the Atlanta Courier Journal and a licensed realtor.
She then relocated to Chicago in 1989.
During her 15 years in Chicago, she worked in real estate development and owned several businesses.
Mrs. Jones-Reyes is survived by her husband, Alex Reyes; children Alexis and Ari Reyes, parents Jerrel and Earnestine Jones, siblings Stacey, Jerrel, Ernest, and Mary Ellen, beloved niece and nephew Eleanor and Samuel.
A private service was held.
