Lillian S. Jones began her career working with troubled youth in 1955 as a counselor at Cedar Knoll School in Laurel, Maryland. Cedar Knoll is a residential facility established by the District of Columbia to provide counseling and training for youth committed by the judicial system. Although she had a B.S. degree in elementary education from Winston-Salem State University, she did not feel the classroom was where she belonged. Once she began working with the youth at Cedar Knoll, she knew she had found her niche. While there she created innovative approaches to reach the students and to help them deal with their problems.

After leaving Cedar Knoll, Lillian worked as a social worker at the Department of Human Services. In 1971 she was chosen to be the administrator of the first rehabilitation (halfway) house in the District of Columbia for adjudicated delinquent girls ages 16-18. She was not only the administrator, but she was personally involved in the day-to-day lives of the girls because she felt each girl's value. Her desire was that they leave the home with a better self-image and with the skills needed to lead productive lives. She was successful in helping others catch her vision for the girls. One organization in particular, the Business and Professional Women's Association, D.C. Federation - Potomac Club adopted the house and provided financial support.

Lillian was an active member of the Business and Professional Women's Association, D.C. Federation – Potomac Club until she passed away. She served two years as the chairman of the Crime Prevention Committee. In 1976 she was the club's honoree at a Human Rights Day luncheon sponsored by the United Nations Association. There she received a Certificate of Appreciation for the Advancement of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Until her death in 2000 at age 83 Lillian still found time to help those in trouble. She was never too busy to listen or lend a helping hand. Her selfless commitment to help others influenced her daughter and grandson who now reach out to help others. Her daughter is a volunteer at Teen Challenge in New Haven, Connecticut where she mentors young women who are overcoming substance abuse and life controlling issues. Her grandson, Darryl Colbert visits detention centers, drug-treatment centers and youth facilities where he talks to young men about the choices they make in life and the long-term effects.

Years after her retirement, young women would stop Lillian on the streets and in stores saying, “Mrs. Jones, remember me, I was a student at Cedar Knoll/halfway house?” They would tell how they remembered the kindness she showed and how she impacted their lives. Many attributed the success of their lives to her guidance and words of wisdom.