Joe Jefferson

Joe Louis Willie Jefferson was born June 4, 1937, to Louis and Dortha (Smith) Jefferson in Hermondale, Mo., also known as "Hermondale Bottom." As a child he grew up in Poplar Bluff, MO., where his family moved in 1939.

At a young age he attended New Light Missionary Baptist Church and began his education at Willow Oak Elementary and Wheatley School.  In the winter months, and before the sun came up, he would go to Willow Oak and Good Hope Elementary Schools to light the wood burning stoves before classes began.  Through this selfless commitment, he was blessed to meet Christine Hopson on her first day of school in 1953. They became forever friends.  Joe and Christine "Chris" were united in holy matrimony on June 20, 1959, until her passing on December 26, 2023.  The Lord gave them 64 years of love and friendship.  To this union, four children were born.

Joe Louis worked for Wiseman & Sons Surplus & Salvage Yard for twelve years before starting his career with the Poplar Bluff School District; notably, Old Mark Twain and New Mark Twain Elementary Schools.  As the school custodian and crossing guard, he was a hardworking, dependable, and dedicated role model who left an impression on all who came to know him.  He retired from the school district after 31 years.

Joe's favorite hobbies were his Dodge trucks and his hat collection.  He was a gifted, self-taught mechanic who loved working on anything with a motor.  Joe had a love for cars too, with an extensive knowledge of their mechanical functions.  He was a go to person for troubleshooting and advice.  He spent hours on end cutting grass for others and being a handyman in the Bacon Pasture Community.  His other hobbies included the Los Angeles Dodgers, TV Westerns, word search puzzles, game shows, sweet tea, and Mountain Dew.

Due to health-related issues, Joe and his wife moved to upper Marlboro, MD, in 2019, and Lillington, NC. in 2020.  They enjoyed being surrounded by their loving family.  They also enjoyed many family celebrations, road trips and the unique view of mountain scenery near their new home.  Mr. Joe Louis, you will be greatly missed.

Joe Louis Willie Jefferson made his transition on February 17,2025.

He was preceded in death by his loving companion, Christine Jefferson, his parents, Louis Jefferson and Dortha Hollins, and baby sister, Lessie B. Jefferson.

He leaves to treasure fond memories; one sister, Lelia M. Hopson of Poplar Bluff, four children, Joan M. (Roger) Lawson of Lillington, NC., Margie A. (Larry) Oates of Upper Marlboro, MD., Margaret A. Hodges of Shiloh, IL., and Ralph L. (Christina) Jefferson of Poplar Bluff., 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

An honorable mention to three nephews, Touche "Leroy" Nunn of Fayetteville, NC., Phillip (Vanessa) Hopson and Eric (Belinda) Hopson of Poplar Bluff, three nieces, Joann (Don) Brandon, Kathleen Hopson and Mary Vaughn (Bobby) Humphries, of Poplar Bluff, five special cousins, Patricia (Alvin) Stephens, Mary (Don) Blossom, Lucius Jackson of Clarksville, TN., Annette Jackson, and Carl Jackson of Detroit, MI.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1 from 10am-11am at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church 1875 Speedway Dr. Poplar Bluff, MO.  The homegoing service will begin at 11am.  Burial to follow at City Cemetery.