Deacon Thomas "Tommy" Rudolph Jefferson

He was the third oldest of four children. His brother, Eddie Lawrence Jefferson and sister, Florene Howard preceded him in death.

Tommy accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Horeb Primitive Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Tommy was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, he relocated to south Florida.

He later united with the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Joe C. Johnson. He served faithfully as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Marriage Ministry Co-Chairperson and Vacation Bible School Teacher. He also served on the Trustee Board, The Young Ambassadors, Men’s Ministry and Bereavement Committee.

Tommy was united in Holy Matrimony to Carolyn Bowman. To this union came their daughter, Caryn. From an earlier marriage, Tommy is the proud father of three daughters: Karen, Andrea and Clara.

Tommy, now Thomas, graduated from Florida A and M University and began his teaching career at Lanier Jr. High School in Hallandale, Florida. After 36 years of teaching, Thomas retired from Miami Dade County Public Schools in June 2003.

Thomas was not rich in material things. However, he had riches that lasted him a lifetime. He loved the Lord. He had family and friends he loved and who loved him dearly. Thomas, the husband, daddy, granddaddy, uncle, mentor, confident, neighbor and friend was a BLESSING from God.

Tommy leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Carolyn; four loving daughters, Karen Spencer, Andrea Stanley (Tony), Clara Douglas and Caryn Jefferson; one sister, Barbara Rickett of Tallahassee, Florida. Seven grandchildren: Brandon, Anthony and Pricilla Stanley, Ashely and Stacey Spencer, Sean and Joshua Douglas and his boys: Zachary and Andrew Jones, Five Great Grandchildren. Tommy also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors who he loved and who loved and will miss him dearly.