Sally Mae Jeffery

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Carroll Buford, son Teddy Bob Buford, parents, A.R. Bass and Ruth Morton Bass, brother Paul Bass, sister Oleta Bass Boyd.

Survivors include sister Jean Bass Dewbre, Jimmy Carroll Buford, Judy Jones, Dana Dixon, Cindy Harris and husband Everett, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, community, family and friends.

Sally was blessed with the gift of music. She was known across the countryside for her duets in church with one of her most cherished family members, Wanda Buford. Her young daughters were once invited to a Tyler radio station to sing in the way they were taught by their mother, broadcast across East Texas. Her children and grandchildren all remember being rocked in that well-known creaky rocking chair as she sang them to sleep. Music is an impartation of the Matriarch’s legacy.

Her hobbies were inspired by her gift of hospitality. She cared for her plants in the same way she offered her home to anyone in need of a meal, a place to sleep for the night -the week, the month. She cared for her animals in the same way she welcomed family and community into her home to commune and have fellowship. She was known counties across for her amazing breakfasts and weekly made chocolate sheet cake. Anyone and everyone knew they were welcome at Sally’s home. The tools God gave her were her hands. They had creation in everything they touched. Her hands were anointed with love and healing. She spent endless hours sewing and crafting with her grandchildren. She also gave much of her time piecing complicated puzzles both on the tabletop and in the lives of those she counseled. Sally could always be depended upon for a listening ear and a strong opinion to follow suit. This is also a part of her legacy.

Sally Mae, the Matriarch, will be greatly honored and missed by many. We shall find comfort in that God has anointed the heirs of her legacy to carry out the fullness of His purpose on her life.