Dorothy Jefferson

Dorothy Jean Jefferson was born February 22nd, 1935 in Arkadelphia Arkansas to Lucille Bridgeforth and Issac Sanders. She found Christ at an early age and maintained her Christian beliefs throughout her life.

Dorothy enjoyed her youth and spent many hours performing in school plays and productions. She was part of a large family and learned many life lessons early on from her siblings. She also adored her mother and learned valuable lessons regarding work ethic and being a strong woman.

After graduating from Peak high School in Arkadelphia she began working in various jobs doing retail and house cleaning.

Dorothy eventually married William Allen Jefferson, a Navy man on February 21st, 1956 and the couple moved to Northern California where he was stationed. To their union four children were born: Keith, Phyllis, Jerry and Derrick.

After four years in Northern California Dorothy and William moved to Wilmington California, which is where she began her dual career of managing a household as well as working outside the home.

Dorothy believed in hard work and punctuality as she would often talk about having never been late to work as she believed you should always arrive at work fifteen minutes before your required start time.

Dorothy worked for over twenty five years in retail at places like Mattel Industries, Zodys department store and later at Kmart stores.

While working and managing the household she still found time to enjoy and plan weekend get togethers at her home, where relatives and friends would often come by with their families and a good time would be had by all.

Dorothy also enjoyed a good game night of Yahtzee or Scrabble as well as playing slots in Las Vegas or Soboba Springs. She enjoyed travel to places like Jamaica, Florida, San Antonio river walk as well as Cruises.

She was ecstatic to become a grandmother and took immense pleasure in all of her grandchildren and later great grandchildren as they were all a source of great pride and joy for her.

Dorothy departed this life on March 24th 2025.She is preceded in death by her husband William Allen Jefferson ,her son Jerry Kendall Jefferson, sister in law Billie Joyce Hunter as well as eleven brothers and sisters – Maerene, Elease, Henry, Ovella ,Clyde Mea, Hosea, Jessie Mae, Bobbie Jean, Gladys, Marie and DeArthur. She leaves to cherish her memories her children Keith Jefferson, Phyllis(Herman) Miller, Derrick(Victoria)Jefferson, sister Gracie Seniguar, sister in law Ophelia Sanders, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and a host of relatives and dear friends

She will be Deeply Missed !