April 1, 2020

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Graveside services for Ella Jean Jefferson, age 74, of Picayune, MS will be held Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Picayune Cemetery. Pastor Louis Thomas, Sr. will officiate at the service.

Ella Jean Jefferson, affectionately known to everyone as “Jean,” was born April 24, 1945 to the late Modise and Doc Wallace Magee in Tylertown MS. They later moved to Picayune MS, when Jean was only nine years old. She attended George Carver School of Picayune, MS. She later on married Harold McKee Sr. of Picayune, MS, and from this union, together they had five children. She later went on to marry James Warren Jefferson Sr. and from this marriage she gained eight stepchildren, whom she loved as if they were her own.

She worked at Crosby Memorial Hospital in Picayune for 25 years. Later she gained employment with NASA Stennis Space Center, where she went to school and obtained her culinary arts degree. If anyone knowns Mrs. Ella, she loved to cook, especially for her family, friends and church home. She would sit there and watch you eat her cooking with the biggest smile on her face. Cooking brought her so much joy. She attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Fox. She later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church under Reverend Louis Thomas, Sr., where she was an usher for many years. She took so much pride in doing so. Mrs. Jean loved the Lord and people, and always had an amazing spirit. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, assisting with church activities, and spending time with her family, friends, and loved ones, all of whom will miss her presence.

As the Angels sat by, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Jean departed this earthly life at Slidell Memorial Hospital and gained her wings and flew away to heaven.
Jean was proceeded in death by her parents, Modise Magee and Doc Wallace Magee; husband, James Warren Jefferson; sons, Harold McKee Jr, and James Warren Jefferson Jr.; sister, Modessa Magee; brothers, Ido Magee, Eddie Magee, Freddie Magee and Charles Johnson.

She will be cherished and truly missed by her children, Bonita Wynn, Cynthia McKee and Trenda Faciane (Malcolm) all of Picayune, MS and Tammy Seawood (Zerrick) of Gulfport, MS; children gained from marriage, Connie Jones, Ambrosia Rommel, Monique Sang, Rodney Caesar, Niccole Byrd, Kawana Furr, and Darrell Jones; siblings, Emma Barnett, Diane Martin (Henry) and Margret Magee; sisters-in-laws, Ida Dean Smith, Janis Magee, Maxie (Lavone) Ratcliff and Tattena (Albert) Collins; brothers-in-law, Wilfret McKee (Brenda) Alton Jefferson and Clifford (Yvette) Jefferson; special friends, Ida Dean Smith, Betty Carter; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins all of whom she loved dearly.

Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home. In order to stay within the guidelines of COVID-19, the services will be recorded live on Facebook (www.facebook.com/viewhomegoingnow). The limit of attendees is 10 people. When that number is met you can feel free to tune into Facebook for a live recording on your device.