Monday October 26, 2009

City’s first female coroner

Mayor Jerry Abramson has appointed Dr. Barbara Weakley-Jones as Louisville’s coroner, the first woman to hold the position.

“She brings a lifetime of medical and forensic pathology experience to the job,” Abramson said. “She is also widely respected among her colleagues around the state and the country.”

Weakley-Jones has been a state medical examiner since 1981 and has worked a number of high-profile cases, including the Carrolton bus crash and the Standard Gravure printing plant shooting.

"I am honored to be named coroner of my hometown — and I look forward to serving the people of Louisville,” Weakley-Jones said.

Known among the state medical examiner’s office as the Morgue Mother, for her mother-like attitude and demeanor, she holds an associate’s degree from Stephens College in Missouri and bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Louisville. Weakley-Jones replaces Ron Holmes, who is retiring on Nov. 1.