Missionary Margaret Luvenia Thompson Jefferson

Margaret Luvenia Jefferson, the fourth child of thirteen born to Deacon Robert and Sister Callie Mae Johnson Thompson, entered this world in Boulder Quarters, Winter Garden on February 28, 1935. She attended elementary school on Center Street. She graduated from Charles R. Drew Jr. High School and then Jones High School in 1954. Mrs. Juanita Maxey, her mentor, offered to help her attend college, but her mother refused. For a short time, she worked as a secretary at Drew HS. Later she was employed at Hooper Farms in Apopka and Sunland Training Center, Orlando. Seeing a need for a better education and with the encouragement of her employers, she attended Orange County Vocational-Technical School where she received her training and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1968. As an LPN she worked at Sunland for several more years and then Winter Garden Nursing Home as a charge nurse for 8 years. She was honored as employee of the year in 1981-1982. In her later years, she honed her seamstress skills and developed a small business selling handkerchiefs and other items. She worked alongside her husband as a secretary and bookkeeper for his fruit harvesting (1993-95) and lawn business (1995-2000). Margaret was saved in 1960 and filled with the Holy Spirit. Her membership was transitioned from her family church, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church to Bay Street Church of God in Christ. In the 1960’s, she was called and anointed for ministry during a consecration by Mother McCleod. After her call into the ministry, she became a licensed evangelist missionary. To help finance the building of the new church she sold dinners and held garage sales. She served faithfully as the church clerk for 35 years until January 1996. She was a soprano choir member under the renowned James Boyer (Boyer Brothers) when Bay Street’s choir traveled extensively and appeared on local radio and television. Over the years she served in various capacities: prayer band member, Bible Band and Sunday School teacher, hospitality worker, nursing home and street ministry team, local and district department of evangelism member. She enjoyed traveling to state and national church conventions and Holy Convocation in Memphis, TN. As an avid bible scholar, she furthered her education by graduating from the International Bible Institute and Seminary in 1987 and attended Zoe Bible College. She quietly worked with her hands and heart. Both her and her husband were givers and they shared what they received lavishly with others: fish, pecans, garden produce, etc. A benevolence ministry was operated out of her home for over forty years providing grocery, cooked meals, clothing, and finances to the needy. As the eldest daughter she provided housing and other resources to her siblings. She was the family genealogist of her generation, making calls, searching records, and traveling to “find her people” and attend family reunions. Margaret married John Rich Jefferson, Sr., on October 9, 1954, a union that lasted 65 years. To this union, four wonderful children were born: Marlene, John Jr., Victor (Vetta), SC, and Beverly. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Robert, Willie, Lenard, Leon and Bobbie Lee, and two sisters, Catherine and Lyvonne Thompson; her husband and son, John Jr. She leaves to mourn her passing: three children, five grand-children: Terika Baker-Wright (Frank), Victor LeVar Jefferson (Rhoda), Richlands, NC, Brian Jefferson, Austin, TX, Victoria Lamb and Margaret Nicole Pryce, Jacksonville, NC; six great-grandchildren: Monet Wright, Jalen Jefferson, Mekhi Jefferson, Alexrice Lamb, Malachi Lee and Jalisa Pryce; one brother, Larry Thompson, four sisters Mary Allen, Christine (Leroy) Mitchell, Joyce Thompson, Marilyn (Willie) Guest; two daughters in love, Mary Helen Haggins and Saundra Hill Jefferson; an aunt, Ruby Winbush; a devoted group of cousins, nieces, nephews, and sorrowing friends. Several special friends also preceded her in death: Eva Mae Williams and Mary Helen Moore.

Tributes

Missionary Margaret Luvenia Thompson Jefferson

February 28, 1935 - June 11, 2023