Ms. Delma Jean (Jefferson) Graves

On September 25, 1928, in Moscow, Texas, the third child, a baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac B. Jefferson. Her parents named her Delma Jean Jefferson. She attended primary school in her native city grades 1st-3rd. Her mother’s ambition caused her to be transferred to Houston, Texas, where she attended 23rd Avenue Elementary school, grades 4th-5th and Harper Junior High School, grades 6th-8th. She attended Booker T. Washington High School, grades 9th-12th, and graduated in the year of 1944. She attended Hughes Business College and graduated in the year of 1945. She advanced her education at Texas Southern University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Education.

Delma began her teaching profession in Bearden, Arkansans and Dekalb, Mississippi for a total of three years. She later moved back to Houston, Texas and continued teaching in Dickerson Independent School District. There, she remained actively engaged as an elementary school teacher for over 30 years, retiring in May of 1986. As a devoted and conscientious servant, she gave of her time and talent to Brownie Girls Scouts of America, National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, and the National Council of Teaching of Reading and Mathematics.

Delma was christened as an infant at Shiloh Methodist Church (Moscow, Texas). She acknowledged Christ as her personal Savior in 1942 and served in various capacities at Duncan Memorial Church of God in Christ, Lorraine Street Church of God in Christ. She became a member of Buck Street Memorial Church of God in Christ, where she remained faithfully, until her health failed her. She served as a Sunday School teacher for Class Ruth, a deaconess, a stewardess, as well as a member of the mass choir. She was a member of the mission department and an Intercessory Prayer Warrior. She also served as the coordinator for Vacation Bible School for many years.

Delma Jean Jefferson is proceeded in death by her beloved parents, Isaac B. Jefferson and Jeannie Duncan-Jefferson, sister Missionary Gertha Jefferson-Davis, and brother, Lonzo James Jefferson. She leaves to cherish fond memories: her baby brother, Leon Jefferson (Lil' Brother), her beloved Goddaughter, Rev. Dr. Sandra Wright, her two eldest fourth generation cousins, Ora Barnes Robinson and Charlesetta Jackson; devoted friends: Sis. Cora Green, Sis. Christine August, Sis. Clara Ramsey, and Dee Scott, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, former students, friends, and church family.