Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship Grant

Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Abilene
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: November 06, 2025

Summary

The Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating high school seniors who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. This scholarship honors Cathy Smith-Jones, who valued community, resilience, and the gift of life, leaving a lasting legacy through her organ donations and commitment to helping others.

Overview

Community Foundation of Abilene The Community Foundation of Abilene was established in 1985 by a group of individuals who believed that the work that can be accomplished by the whole could be greater than the sum of its parts. The idea that a community of donors can accomplish more collectively than individually. The objective of the Foundation has shifted over the years to continue to meet our vision to see a thriving Abilene, endowed forever. From seeking out partnerships with professional advisors to developing a foundation of philanthropy-minded clients to establishing key relationships to further community initiatives, the Community Foundation of Abilene has rooted itself as a premier organization to empower people to make a lasting charitable impact on our community. The Community Foundation of Abilene is home to more than 150 scholarship funds established by individuals, organizations, and companies to help students from our community and the surrounding area pursue their college education dreams. Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship Catherine Aileen Smith Jones was born in Norwich, Connecticut to Arthur D. and Frances G. Smith. She grew up in Abilene, graduated from Cooper High School in 1976 and attended college at the University of Texas at Austin. Cathy was a vigorous and active woman whose career led her to Dallas. She returned to Abilene in 1996 to raise her much-loved daughters, Halie and Hope, in a family-friendly community. Cathy cared about people, had an incredible spirit for life, and demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome adversity. In the end, her short life was lost while helping another; she provided the gift of life even after her death through organ and tissue donations. Recipients, their families, and all who love them will forever be impacted by the power of Cathy’s selfless legacy.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Graduating High School senior Member of Holy Family Catholic Church Attending an accredited four-year college/university in the United States