Mama took her place in the alto section of the heavenly choir on April 20, 2019. She will accompany the choir on the piano when needed.

Mama, the baby and last surviving member of her family, was born January 26, 1932 to the late Johnnie Coleman Jefferson and Ida Wade Jefferson. Our daddy, Bennett E. Oakes was eagerly waiting, "grinning from ear to ear", as she crossed over the river. Her sisters, Gladys Bailey, Odella Cooke, Janet Lawrence, and brothers, David Jefferson, Kenneth Jefferson, and O.C. Jefferson were all waiting at the supper table to celebrate the reunion.

Mama graduated from Callands High School in 1949 and she and daddy were married on June 16, 1950. They lived with and cared for Grandma Jefferson due to the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Mama went to work in 1969 after her mother's passing at Craddock Terry Shoe Factory in Gretna, VA. (now Capp's Shoes), until the age of 80.

Mama loved being outside to admire the creative work of God's hands in nature. Cardinals, bluebirds, and hummingbirds were some of her favorites to watch at the feeders. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds and making hanging baskets each spring. She loved to collect cookbooks and trying out new recipes in her kitchen. Mealtime was very important to her at family get-togethers, making sure everyone's favorite dish was perfectly prepared. She loved shopping and southern gospel music but most importantly, Mama loved God. She was a faithful member of Museville Christian Church and served as the pianist and a member of the choir for decades.

Those of us left behind to cherish her memory are daughter, Rosalind David and Ronny of Penhook, VA., son, Michael Oakes and wife Carolyn from West Chester, OH. Five grandchildren, Amanda Hashagen (Scott), Christopher Oakes, Benjamin David, Sarah David, and Nathan Oakes and six great grandchildren, Kaylie Kidd, Andrew David, Ava Hashagen, Kaden Hashagen, Jacob Hashagen, and Mia Young; along with many nieces and nephews.

Rosalind and Michael want to especially thank our SOVAH Hospice family Erin, Jessica, Colleen, and Freddy. The loving support you gave to mama and us provided more comfort than you will ever know. You are like God's special team of angels that descend from heaven with the unique task of helping people on their final journey home and their loved ones to understand the process and to peacefully let go.  We also want to lovingly thank mama's home care team, Pam Brooks, Marie Baugh, and Diane Davis. Knowing that you were always there as a special companion for mama and that she was always being well cared for gave us peace, eased our mind, and helped us to worry a lot less about mama being alone. You will forever be a special part of our family and we love you.

We also thank Kathy Lawrence and Dwight Krantz for always being there for mama and our countless friends, neighbors, and family who stopped by with a kind word, visited, or brought a dish.

The family will receive visitors at Museville Christian Church, Monday, April 22, 2019 between 6:00 and 8:00 PM and a "Celebration of Life" will be held at Museville Christian Church on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 2:00 PM by Thomas A. Kilian III, Evangelist, Ted Clifton, Minister, and Steve Hayes, Minister.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to MERCY PARTNERS, PO BOX 236, COLUMBIA NC. 27925, or online at https://www.mercy-partners.org/howtohelp

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .