Leola Jefferson

Celebration of Life for Leola “Lee” Jefferson 

Today we pay tribute to our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. Her life was filled with purpose in serving others and serving God! She always leaned heavily on the Lord, singing scriptures on her last days, calling on God as her almighty Savior and Protector. We honor her today!

Leola Jefferson, affectionately known as “Lee,” was born on July 15, 1924 in Eadytown (Pineville), South Carolina to the late Jim and Emily Collins Gethers Jefferson. God called her home on Friday, May 8, 2020, in Newark, NJ.  

Lee accepted Christ at an early age at Hickory Hill Baptist Church in Pineville.  Lee attended the school system in Eadytown, South Carolina. Years later, she met her husband Henry “Sandy” Jefferson, and to this union, 3 children were born. Lee relocated to Newark, New Jersey in 1952 and was an employer for the Shulton Company and held jobs in laundry services. She was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, NJ.  

In 1998, Lee relocated back to Eadytown to start a new home for herself on the land that stemmed her family’s roots. During this time, she devoted her life to Christ at Hickory Hill Baptist Church. In 2015, Lee made her final relocation to Newark, NJ where she resided until she transitioned her life. In her final days, she often sang “Your Grace and Mercy”.  

Lee was a graceful, stylish and classy lady. She loved fashion and jewelry (pearls were her favorite). In her spare time, you could always find her at a local flea market or surrounded by her loving family. But most importantly, she was God fearing and loved the Lord!  

Lee was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend.

She was one of 13 children to Jim and Emma (“Momma”), who are: Rufus “Bubba”, Johnny, Solomon, Julius, twins Rebecca and Isaac, Catherine, her twin Rachel, Rosalie, Ida, Jim, and Rebecca.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons: Harold Jefferson(Dyanna) of Newark; NJ, and Bernard Jefferson (Marie) of Cross, SC; her daughter predeceased Shirley Mitchell (Willie“Jr.”) of Pineville, SC. 

“Grandma Lee” will always be remembered by her 12 grandchildren, Darryl Mitchell (Tammy), Katrina Jefferson, Anthony Mitchell (Chrissy), Kevin Rock, Wanda Jefferson, Nicole Mitchell, Anita Jefferson, Sheron Jefferson, Harvey Mitchell (Shakira), Devin Jefferson, Michael Jefferson (Stephanie), and Ashley Jefferson. She also leaves behind 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. 

Lee is survived by 2 sisters, Rosalie Wigfall (Roosevelt) and Rebecca Simmons (Frank); and 1 brother, James Gethers (Cecile), all from Pineville, SC. Leola also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews,cousins and friends.

Her body left this Earth, but her spirit and legacy will always remain, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”    Ecclesiastes 3:1

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