Alberta "Ruth" Mae (Young) Jefferson

Alberta “Ruth” Mae Jefferson (Young) was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on August 19, 1933, to Lee and Nettie Young; she was the youngest of 12 siblings. She was born into the Church of God in Christ and stayed faithful to the church all her life. Mother Lena, a dear family friend, gave her the name Ruth and her grandchildren called her Grandma Ruthie.

Ruth started singing at the age of five; her first song was “A New World in My View.” By six years old, she had lost both of her parents. Her sister Rebecca Tilman, a Church of God in Christ Evangelist, raised Ruth and her brothers, Lee and Samuel. Ruth graduated from Central High School in Shreveport. Later, she met Edward Rhone in church and married him. They had five children: Charles Edward, Oliver Joel, Eddie Jewel, Joyce Ann and Edward Charles. In 1960, Ruth moved to Seattle, remarried and had two more children, Gloria Jean and Kenny. She later married Wilbur Jefferson.

In 1975, Ruth was called to Ministry. She said the Lord called her by her name, so she obeyed and followed her calling. She was a member of Light House Temple COGIC for 63 years. She served faithfully under her brother, Elder James M. Young, and Mother Gertrude Young. After their passing, she served faithfully under Elder Nate Wilson and Venetia Wilson. She filled needs in many roles and areas, including Evangelist Missionary, longtime Women's Department President, Usher Board President, Washington State Greeter, Adult & Young Adult Sunday School Teacher, Bible Band Teacher, Treasurer, and Home & Foreign Mission President.

Ruth was hardworking, fearless and strong. As a girl, she loved to jump rope and as an adult she grew a garden, raised small farm animals, fished, and joined a bowling league. In Seattle, she worked at Harborview Medical Center and as a Laidlaw school bus driver for 25 years. She was also an entrepreneur, owning used car, janitorial, and furniture upholstery businesses. She enjoyed collecting and studying the value of dolls and coins. One of her greatest joys was her family and she loved making holiday dinners. She was an excellent cook, and her children and grandchildren loved spending time with her, especially in the kitchen!

She was known for her sense of humor and big laugh. She was well-informed and cared for others, volunteering at food banks and ministering to incarcerated women. She campaigned for Barack Obama and was so proud when he was elected President. She was incredibly stylish and loved the color blue and beautiful hats. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23 and her favorite songs were “Use Me, Lord, in Your Service,” “A New World in My View,” and “Rough Side of the Mountain.”

Ruth was called home on December 10, 2025, at the age of 92. She peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Her journey was a testament to the bonds she nourished, leaving behind beloved memories her family and friends will cherish forever.

Ruth was preceded in death by her sons Oliver Joel Rhone and Eddie Jewel Rhone, as well as her grandchildren Rueban Paulson and Allegra Noordhoek and her siblings Elder James Young, Missionary Rebecca Tillman-Young, Lula Cake Young, Jessie Lee Horton, Missionary Bertha Wilson, JB Young, Edward Young, and Elder Lee Young. She is survived by her brother Samuel Young, and her children Charles Rhone (Rebecca), Joyce Thomas, Edward Charles Rhone (Paysha), Missionary Gloria Durant (Donnie), and Kenny Gipson.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: CJ, Gabriella, Eddie Jr., Edwin, Ethan, Evan, Eboni, Erika, Joel, Janessa, Olivia, Moriah, Nathaniel, Jordan, Marvin, Maaliq, and Rashad Rhone, as well as Shereen Reynolds, Charissa Carroll, Rachel Dooley, Ariana, Joycelyn and Jasmine Thomas, Malachi and Joel Young, Soneeca Wilson, and numerous great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on December 27, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Center of Faith Ministries, 25715 102nd Place SE, Kent, Washington. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A committal service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, with the repass immediately following at the same location from 2:45 to 6:00 p.m.