Mr. Leon Jefferson

On June 10, 1929, in Moscow, Texas, the fourth child, and baby boy, Leon Jefferson, fondly known as “Lil’ Brother”, was born to the late Mr. Isaac B. Jefferson and Jeanie Duncan-Jefferson. He attended public school and received his education in Corrigan, Texas.

When speaking of his childhood, Leon fondly talked of his time driving the school bus after graduating from high school. He worked for the R.A. Thompson Lumber Company from 1949-1951. On June 5, 1952, he was officially enlisted as Private First Class into the United States Marine Corps. He was later ranked as Corporal Jefferson on January 6, 1953. He worked in the 3rd Motor Transport Battalion of the 3rd Marine Division. He was transferred to the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he was Honorably Discharged on March 25th, 1960.

After faithfully serving his country, he continued his work in transportation serving as a delivery driver for various companies in the Houston area. He advanced to employment at J.D Hughes. While working for Five Star Transportation, Leon became an independent truck driver, owning a small fleet of trucks. He went to LTI Trucking Company, which later changed to Universal. His trucking career took him from state to state as a long-haul truck driver. Due to illness, Mr. Jefferson retired in June of 2018 at the age of 89.

While truck driving was one of his passions, ranching was a true love of his. He had livestock including cattle and horses. He tended to his livestock during the week and even on the weekends. He was well known for the care and love that he had for his livestock. He was so in tune with them, that when they heard his truck and his distinctive call, they would come immediately.

Leon was a lover of life. In the year of 1994, he became the president of Shiloah Cemetery Homecoming, working diligently with his committee to oversee the upkeep of the property. He brought together several churches to have musicals in order to raise funds for the organization. He was a member of the Camden Trailblazers Horseback Riding Club, under the Pineywoods Trailriding Association. His position in the club was known as a Trail boss, under which he served with seriousness and heart. He was an honorary member of the Big Body Riders in Lufkin, Texas, leading as Trail Boss in all of the rides. On a ride he would say, “If you take care of your horse, the horse will take care of you.” Known for blowing his whistle, everyone knew that meant it was time to ride!

He acknowledged Christ as his Lord and Savior and was received into full membership of the Progressive Church of God in Christ on January 6, 1965. He was later ordained as a deacon under the leadership of the late Bishop A.C. Nelson, Jr. He and his wife became members of the Morning Star Baptist Church under Bishop Larry D. Leonard. On May 22, 2016, he joined Woods Memorial Temple Church of God in Christ, in Lufkin, Texas, under the leadership of his pastor, the late Supt. Chester M. Robinson until his health failed him. He loved the Lord with all of His heart. It was evident in his fervent prayers, singing, and constant thankfulness to God. At any moment you could hear him saying these three words, “Grace, Mercy, and Faith!”

He will be remembered through several names to which he answered: “Lil’ Brother,” “Wildcat,” “Paw Paw,” “Pappa Doc,” “Pappa Smurf,” and always, on the trail rides, the riders addressed him as “Mr. Leon.” Some of the fondest memories are his love for candied yams, peach cobbler, and singing “Shine on Me!” and old gospel songs. And he always said, “I’m a one man gang! Stay ready to keep from getting ready.”

Leon departed this life on October, 5, 2023 at 1:19am. He was preceeded in death by his wife of 33 years, Patricia Ann Jefferson; parents, Isaac and Jeanie Jefferson; siblings, Missionary Gertha Jefferson-Davis, Lonzo Jefferson, and Delma J. Graves.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: his daughters, Paula Jefferson-Wesley (Jay), Pamela Hood, “Pamela” Whitaker, and Shannon Carey; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” - II Timothy 4:7