In honor of Joan Mathis – a retired PJC instructor and one of Paris’ own community advocates – Paris City Council voted Monday evening to change the name of Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Joan Mathis Park.
Located at 1225 Johnson Street, Joan Mathis Park was renamed in honor of “such a fine woman,” Paris City Mayor Paula Portugal said.
“I am so pleased that our community is honoring Ms. Mathis. Her contributions to this city are countless through her faith, her career, and her values. Paris is a better place to live because of good people like Joan Mathis,” Portugal said. “I believe it is fitting that the park near Joan’s home will bear her name. City staff will be sure that the park will be clearly and proudly marked with good signage.”
Portugal said Paris has honored Dr. King for many years with a street named after the civil rights activist.
“I travel that street frequently and never fail to think about his life and his sacrifice for others,” Portugal said.
–
Like and follow MyParisTexas.com on Facebook, and share this story – Reporting local news in Paris and Lamar County, Texas.
