RICHLAND – Jan Carol Branton Lefler, 71, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 18, 2018. Jan was born November 4, 1946 in Jackson, Mississippi to Ray Branton and Gaye Langston Branton, who preceded her in death. Jan is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, John Davis Lefler; Daughters, Carol Lefler Sharpe (Matt) and Susan Rae Lefler; Grandchildren, Madeline Claire Sharpe, John Davis Sharpe, Mary Carol Sharpe, Emma Kate Sharpe, Elizabeth Shannon Sharpe; and Sisters, Emily Branton Miller and Rebecca Branton Bass (Robert).
Jan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. The quickest way to bring a smile to her face was having her five grandchildren visit her. She was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis in the early years of her marriage, a disease that progressed aggressively through the rest of her life, placing her in great pain, gradually limiting her mobility and dexterity, making even the smallest tasks excruciating, and eventually claiming her for her final reward. Her life was made much more endurable through the loving devotion and support of her husband, John, who always put her first in his life.
In spite of the physical burdens life placed on her, Jan was a model of Christian faith, endurance, and meeting challenges with a happy attitude. No pain was great enough to take the smiling brightness from her beautiful blue eyes. She loved to do cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting, and sewing, often making clothes for her grandchildren and the granddaughters’ American Girl dolls, activities she would eventually be forced to give up.
Jan was a faithful and longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church and later First United Methodist Church of Richland, where she enjoyed singing in the choirs. Jan was an active volunteer during her life as well, working for Baptist Hospital in various roles, as a member of the Womens’ Missionary Union (WMU), and as a Busy Bee with the Mississippi State Extension Homemakers Club. Her life was a shining example of a Christian woman who loved her family and friends. She lived a life that honored Jesus Christ, and was an example for many to follow.
Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Boulevard in Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the same funeral home on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
