When Jefferson's mother approached, she broke down, overcome with grief. The thought of burying her adult daughter was too much to handle. But moments of sadness were followed by moments of joy during the funeral service.
"We are here to celebrate a wonderful life," said Rev. Reggie DeVaughn from the pulpit of "The Bridge" Southwest Community Christian Center. "Such a wonderful person, as Dedre Jefferson!"
The congregation stood, clapping and cheering.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, state representatives and community leaders remembered Jefferson as the strong mother, friend and school board leader who served Alief ISD.
Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee honors Dedre Jefferson
"She was very vibrant, supportive of everyone, energetic, committed," Jefferon's sorority sister, LaDon Ward said.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee talked about Jefferson's dedication and passion for her work in the Alief school district. She said that she and congressman Al Green hoisted a flag at the United States capitol in honor of Jefferson.
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There was someone noticeably absent - her son. Blake Jefferson sits in a jail cell, charged with stabbing and killing his mother last Friday. A dark reality that's not lost on her friends.
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"Trying to still wrap our brains around what actually happened," said Shannon Baldwin, a friend. "For that, all I can say is that my prayers are with the family, her son, Blake, mostly that he is well taken care of."
Inside Jefferson's program memorial, next to pictures of her has a proud mom, there's a message from Blake.
It reads:
"There will never be a moment I will not think of you
Our special times together
The loving things that you would do
Memories so special when you were by my side
How tucked away inside by heart
Forever to abide
Lord someday up in Heaven again your face I'll see
When we meet upon that golden shore
Where the best is yet to be"
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