Barbara Jeffery's Obituary
The funeral services for Barbara Jeffery, 68, of Lufkin, Texas will be held on November 23, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Eastview United Pentecostal Church 1407 N. Medford Dr. Lufkin. The burial will follow in the Memoryland Memorial Park 808 W. Jack Finney Blvd. Greenville, Texas.
Mrs. Jeffery was born in Greenville, Texas on December 28, 1955, and died Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Lufkin, TX. Visitation will be Friday from 5 till 7:00 p.m.at Grace Tabernacle Church, 408 Henderson St.
Dr. Barbara Jean Williams Jeffery was born on December 28, 1955, to Percy and Elvira Williams in Greenville, Texas. She was married to Dr. Charles Jeffery for 46 years, and together they raised two daughters: Shekia Jeffery and Shaniqua Davis. Barbara was a proud grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren, Jamal and April Davis, and a cherished mother-in-love to Jimmie Davis Jr.
Barbara was well-educated, having attended Fred Douglas Elementary School, Greenville High School, and the University of North Texas in Denton. She earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Communication, a Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership from the College of Biblical Studies in Hou ston, Texas, a Master of Arts in Bible Study Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Newburgh Seminary in Evansville, lndiana.
With a deep religious foundation, Barbara began playing the piano at the age of five at Carter Temple CME Church. Throughout her life, she faithfully served alongside her husband at various churches, including East Caney Baptist Church in Sulfur Springs, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Terrell, Johnson Chapel Baptist Church, Sand Ridge Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Goodwill Baptist Church, and Grace Tabernacle Church in Lufkin, Texas, under her husband's leadership until her passing. She embodied the scripture, "Be thou faithful unto death" (Revelation 2:10). Barbara not only served but also taught others to serve, emphasizing the importance of using the gifts bestowed by the Lord. She hosted many students at her home to teach them piano and created spaces for women to gather and study the Word of God. Her desire was for women, both young and old, to learn and live by God's teachings.
Barbara founded the Girls Auxiliary for preteen girls and Sisters With a Vision for teens and young adults. Every Monday evening, she dedicated her time to mentoring women in Mission. While building strong women of faith, Barbara also ensured that the church prospered financially. She often quoted Proverbs 10:4: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth," emphasizing this lesson with her community. Barbara creatively organized fundraising efforts by baking treats and cooking for sales. Her innovative approach garnered support from other women who shared her vision. Like the people in Nehemiah's time, Dr. Barbara Jeffery truly had a mind to work. Over the years, the Lord blessed her with many God-given children and grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.
In addition to her church service, Barbara had a successful career. She worked for 17 years in the Modern Language Department at Stephen F. Austin University. She taught gifted and talented junior high students as well as language arts at Aldine Middle School and Garcia Middle School in the Aldine Independent School District for 7 years and Carpenter Elementary in Nacogdoches, Texas for 2 years. She also owned My Friends and I daycare in Lufkin, Texas, for 16 years, where she loved nurturing the children entrusted to her care. Barbara also helped many adults obtain their GEDs and tutored students to ensure their success on the STAAR Test, as she valued academic achievement.
Barbara was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Jean and Harriet Williams, and her parents, Percy and Elvira Williams. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Jeffery; her daughters, Shekia Jeffery and Shaniqua Davis; her son-inlove, Jimmie Davis Jr.; her grandchildren, Jamal and April Davis; her sister, Melva "Niecy" Beckles; and her brothers, Charles "Mack" Williams (Lorraine), Calvin Williams, and Carlton Williams (Teresa). She is also survived by nieces, nephews, various God-given children and grandchildren, and other relatives.
Barbara had a passion for singing, working with the choir, playing the piano, cooking, and engaging in projects for children. She was deeply committed to her faith, family, and church and passionately believed that only what you do for Christ will last. Dr. Barbara Jeffery was a true woman of faith; she believed that if the Lord made a promise, He would fulfill it. Not only did she possess unwavering faith, but she also demonstrated it daily, witnessing many miracles in her life because she knew there was nothing too difficult for the Lord. She lived by the principle that "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him," and that is exactly what she did.
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