DELORIS FARRAR JEFFERSON heard the Master sweetly call her from labor to

reward on October 9, 2025. She was the youngest of eight siblings born to the union of

Leonard Farrar Sr. and Lillie Phelps Farrar on October 17, 1936.

Deloris loved all her family members, especially her siblings: David Luke Farrar, Daisy

Lee Farrar Baity, Leonard James Farrar, Floyd Alvin Farrar, Amos Dupree Farrar Sr.,

Winston Calvin Farrar, and Lillie Ruth Farrar Ward Scott, all who preceded her in death.

Deloris accepted Christ at an early age and joined Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church

under the leadership of Reverend F. D. Sowell. She remained an active and faithful

member until her health began to fail. Deloris served as an Usher, Sunday School teacher,

member of the Sweet Home Young Adult Choir, and Round Island Creek Convention

Delegate for many years.

Deloris was a proud member of the Trinity High School Class of 1954. She and her

classmates shared a special bond that lasted until their passing.

On October 16. 1962, Deloris was united in Holy Matrimony to Oscar Jefferson (who

preceded her in death). They were married for forty-one years, and to this union two

children were born: Regina Yvonne (Gregory) Sanderfer of Columbia, Tennessee and

Renee Yvette (Corey) Harris of Decatur, Alabama (who preceded her in death).

Deloris received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Tuskegee Institute in

Tuskegee, Alabama, and her master's degree in education from Alabama A & M University

in Normal, Alabama. Deloris began her teaching career in Elementary Education at Miller

Public School in Athens, Alabama. Following integration, she was hired as the first African

American teacher at West Athens Elementary School in the Athens Public School System—a

school that was subsequently renamed James L. Cowart Elementary. She enjoyed an over

thirty-year teaching career. Deloris was instrumental in shaping thousands of young minds

over the years with her kind, thoughtful, gentle, and loving demeanor.

Deloris leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Regina Jefferson Sanderfer; and

two sons-in-law, Reverend Gregory K. Sanderfer and Reverend Corey Harris; and

four grandchildren: Ashley Sanderfer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Jordan Sanderfer

(Columbia, Tennessee), Jalon Harris and Korren Harris (Decatur, Alabama); three greatgrandchildren: Trinity, Zanaya, and Jasiah Sanderfer, all of Columbia, Tennessee. Her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends held a special place in her heart.