Mother Sarah Mattie Jefferson was born to the late Reverend Arthur Neal, Jr., and Mrs. Daisy A. Neal, in Talbot County, Georgia, on March 31, 1931. She was the oldest of 10 children. Six preceded her in death, Charlie Neal, George Neal, Ruby Mae Neal, James Neal, Daisy Rose, and Allene Duggan. She had one grandchild and one great-grandchild, Alethia and Brooke, who both also preceded her in death.
She joined The Powell Baptist Church, in Talbotton, Georgia, at the age of 13. She attended school at Talbotton High School and graduated in 1949 with the honor of valedictorian. She earned a degree in childhood development at Atlanta Area Tech.
After she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, she joined the Mount Herman Baptist Church, where she was a very faithful member. Later, she met and married the late Reverend H.P. Jefferson, founder of the Powell Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served faithfully for over 50 years and wore many hats. She had a very giving heart and helped others in whatever capacity was needed.
She worked faithfully in the private home industry, with many families honoring her, even after retirement.
She was loved by her family that extended to five generations.
To cherish her memories, she leaves: three children, Gwendelene Emanuel (Arthur) and Lorna Jefferson (Dawn) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Arthur Reeves, Sr., of Smyrna, Georgia; two stepdaughters, Rachel Brown (Warner) of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sarah Johnson of Hammond, Indiana; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Katherine Searcy of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Larry Neal (Earlene) of Shiloh, Georgia, and Lloyd Neal of Portland, OR; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Neal of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jennifer Neal of Alabama; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
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