Johnetta Jones, 56, a member of the university for 26 years, died Saturday evening because of a severe infection.

Ms. Jones was the director of the Minority Affairs office.

“It’s hard to explain,” said Priscilla Wininger, Ms. Jones’ office assistant, “To theorize, she had an infection that had been compromised by E. coli, a severe infection poisoning her and shutting down her vital organs.”

Wininger said Ms. Jones had been sick for a couple of days before her family was concerned and asked her to seek medical attention Friday. Wininger took Ms. Jones to Sarah Bush Lincoln hospital Friday. Ms. Jones was transported to St. John’s hospital in Springfield where she died Saturday evening.

Wininger said Ms. Jones had been at Eastern for 26 years and been involved with many on-campus and off -campus activities. Ms. Jones is a member the Judicial Board; the Illinois Committee for Black Concern and Higher Education; the enrollment committee and much more.

When asked to share a memorable experience or memory of Ms. Jones, Wininger said, “There are so many.

“I’ve been with her for six years. She was more like family. She was deeply interested with recruitment, retainment and graduation of students.”

Those who knew her share what she was like on a professional and personal level.

“As far as experiences, working with Johnetta, she was an excellent administrator and she’s been working with the university for over 25 years,” said admissions counselor Ralph Gardner.

“As far as an asset to the university … she started African American studies and had a smooth transition to director of Minority Affairs.”

Gardner said Ms. Jones was a visible figure at the university.