Family
Today, We Celebrate Our Mother...
The one that was once unsung will forever be celebrated because on this day we say goodbye to the woman who is our first love; the woman who when all said “They cannot or will never”, she would say” I did not have a child that could not!” Today we celebrate that gorgeous woman! The one who dealt with pain to ensure that we were born healthy. Today we celebrate that woman who would risk herself to save her loves. Today we celebrate that woman who cared so deep for her family. Today we celebrate that woman who did not allow worldly possessions to define her worth. Today we celebrate that woman who stayed up all night and nurtured us back to health and told us not to give up. Today we celebrate that woman who would rarely greet us with a hug and kiss, but when she did it felt...Godly. Today we celebrate that woman who walked in the frigid cold and snow to make sure we made it safely and ate. Today we celebrate that woman who helped to provide a warm shelter for us to stay and would caress our little heads as we lay in her lap. Today we celebrate that woman who punished but rewarded us as well. Today we celebrate that woman who “hipped us to game” at an extremely young age. Today we celebrate that faithful and loving wife, at least we know our Father would agree. Today we celebrate the one who always stood up for us. We celebrate that woman who taught us how to read and write. Today we celebrate our physical therapist. Forever, we will celebrate our BEST FRIEND. We celebrate our love. We celebrate our mother. Momma, we pray that you received your flowers from our hearts. We will forever love you. ~
Alphonso & Shana ~
Tributes
Our Aunt Mae...
An ordinary person who was truly extraordinary. Wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt and friend... For those of us who knew and loved her: teacher, wise counsel, mother, mentor, doctor, lawyer, provider, protector, confidante, supporter and best friend! A voice for the voiceless… we can think of times when she stood with and up for all of us. She fought for and if needed, along with each one of us. A pillar of strength to the family. A true reflection of god’s love Small in stature, yet a mighty force to be reckoned with... MARY ANN JEFFERSON An ordinary woman who was truly extraordinary!!! Our aunt Mae. ~
Shunesha & Lisa ~
To Mary with Love We are blessed to call you sister, And to also call you friend; You’ve loved us unconditionally, And stood through thick and thin. You’ve shared our joys and sorrows, Our laughter and our tears. You’ve been our inspiration, As we grew up through the years. When we were little children We laughed and played together; Then growing up you stood by us, Through good and stormy weather. There’s something God has given us, That’s more than family; He’s placed a love for you, Mary, In our hearts for eternity. ~
Patricia & Rosie ~
Life Reflections
Mary (Mae) Ann Williams was born to Lizzy Williams and Willie Lee Williams on September 27, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee. Mae was a loving person to all of those around her, especially to her husband, children, siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Mae often spoke about being a young teenager in her church Gospel choir. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice to match her soul. Mae also loved being outdoors. She frequently exercised by going on long walks and participated in outdoor sports like basketball and dodgeball with the children in the neighborhood. Mae will also be remembered for her love of music. She could usually be found on weekends cleaning the house and listening to the blues on her stereo speakers which her husband purchased for her. Finally, Mae also enjoyed having family time. Whether it was ensuring the family ate on time or watched a movie, she made sure that her family did it together in love. Mae was a nurturing person toward all people. However, she was especially nurturing toward her family. She spent many of her latter years caring for her husband, helping to raise her grandson, and sharing her wisdom and experience with her children. On Sunday, March 27, 2022, the Lord received Mary into his arms. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Lee and Lizzy Williams; her husband, John Jefferson; two sisters Corrine Johnson and Annie Collins Scott; and three brothers William, Earl and Tommy Lee Collins. To cherish her memory, she leaves her two children, Alphonso Dewayne Jefferson (Mahogany Lakay Gordan) and Shana Rivers (Derrick Rivers); her sisters, Patricia (Rita) Cooper and Rosie Shipp; two grandchildren, Caleb Rivers Skylar Renee and Zahara Jefferson; and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives whose lives she touched.
Order of Service
Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Mary Jefferson Scripture Reading & Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Anthony Johnson Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temika Johnson
Remembering Mary... Alphonso Dewayne Jefferson Shunesha Williams Woods All Others (3 minutes, please) ~ Silent Reading of the Obituary ~
The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Anthony Johnson Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temika Johnson Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Mary Jefferson
Acknowledgment
To us, Mary was a special gift, a rare and precious treasure. Her loving ways enriched our lives, and blessed us beyond measure. Although we’ll miss her awesome smile, her tender love and care, Our hearts somehow find comfort through your presence, thoughts, and prayers. We graciously extends our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the immeasurable kindness and support that we have received during our time of bereavement. May God continue to bless you for your thoughtfulness and love toward us. ~ The family of Mary “Mae” Jefferson ~
Interment
New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Arrangements Entrusted To EH Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, Tennessee 38109 (901) 345-9558
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.