Athens - 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 Rev. 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 42 years, and to this union two children were born: Regina Yvonne (Gregory) Sanderfer of Columbia, TN and Renee Yvette (Corey) Harris of Decatur, AL (who preceded her in death).

Deloris received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, AL, and her master's degree in education from Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL. Deloris began her teaching career in Elementary Education at Miller Public School in Athens, AL. 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 31 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 Rev. Gregory K. Sanderfer and Rev. Corey Harris and four grandchildren: Ashley Sanderfer (Philadelphia, PA), Jordan Sanderfer (Columbia, TN), Jalon Harris and Korren Harris (Decatur, AL), three great-grandchildren: Trinity, Zanaya, and Jasiah Sanderfer all of Columbia, TN. Her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 6-7:30 p.m. Sweet Home MB Church-Athens.

Funeral Service Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. Sweet Home MB Church-Athens with Burial Thatch-Mann Cemetery.