Juanita Ann Jefferson, daughter of the late Parthina Green and Harvis Davis, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on November 14, 1942.

During the early years of her life, she attended the Macon County public schools and participated in numerous school functions and activities. Her deep thirst for knowledge stirred her to continue her education at Tuskegee University where she graduated in 1967.

In 1963, she met and married the love of her life, Samuel Jefferson, Sr. This union endured through the years and was blessed with children whom they nurtured with patience and love.

Very early in life, Juanita accepted Christ as her personal Savior and began her journey with the Lord. Upon relocating to Newark, New Jersey, she united with the New Born Mission Church of God where she was a prayerful and dedicated member. Juanita was a woman who feared the Lord, a woman of unwavering faith, and a woman whose life was a blessing to many people.

Juanita was a loving wife and mother who ate not the bread of idleness and devoted her time to caring for the needs of her family. She was a keen, persistent, and hardworking individual who was very passionate about her work as a secretary with Prudential Insurance Company of New Jersey.   She retired from Prudential after many years of loyal and dedicated service. The bonds of friendship that she developed throughout her career will long be remembered.

"Mama" as she was affectionately called by many, was a strong but gentle woman with a heart of gold who cared deeply for her family and friends. She had a deep sense of family loyalty, ties, and responsibilities, and took great pride in using her God-given talents to help others. Her home was a revolving door for friends, family, and anyone in need.

Our beloved mom, grandmom, and great grandma was called home to eternal rest on Monday, September 18, 2017. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Samuel Jefferson, Sr., and her daughter-in-law, Delicia Jefferson. In the midst of our sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Fond memories will forever be cherished in the hearts of her children, Charlotte Jefferson of Newark, NJ, Jacqueline Jefferson, Samuel L. Jefferson, Jr., and Tyheed Jefferson of Albany, GA, and Jazzo Loyal; grandchildren, Tyree Jefferson, Yasmin Bass-Ali, Najah Bass-Ali, Qaasim Bass-Ali, Mariah Brown, Nakiya Glenn, Alif Jefferson, Jihad Cousten, Carnell Jefferson, Marquis Williams, Tennoris Knox, Taniyah Jefferson, Rickey Heard, and Kamiyah Heart; great grandchildren, Samiyah Bass-Ali, Zariah Brown, and Skyler Burns; daughter-in-law, Melissa Coleman; son-in-law, Elijah Best; a loving niece, Glenetta D. Jones; and a host of extended family and friends.