Nora J. Jefferson

Nora J. Jefferson, 74, of Benton Harbor, went to meet her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, November 10, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family.   A Home Going Celebration will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 21, 2016 at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Dr., Benton Harbor with Rev. Kenneth Gavin officiating. Friends may visit beginning at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the Church.  Memorials may be made to the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.  Those wishing to sign Nora’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.    Nora was born July 4, 1942 in Columbia, Mississippi to Luther & Annie (Ward) Jefferson.   She graduated from Jefferson High School and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. Nora was employed by Benton Harbor Area Schools for twenty-eight years retiring as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations and for over thirty years with Benton Charter Township as a Trustee and Benton Charter Township Supervisor, retiring in 2015.  Nora was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board and on the Board of Directors for Adkins Village. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. holding various offices; Delta Kappa Gamma International Society; and numerous other civil and professional organizations.  She loved attending school and township meetings. In her free time, Nora enjoyed painting with oil and water colors, putting puzzles together, and cherished spending time with her family and many friends.  Nora is survived by her daughter Errika Jefferson of Washington, DC; five sisters: Betty (James) Heart of San Diego, CA; Mildra Anthony of Columbia, MS; Katie Roseburgh and Laura Richburg, both of Benton Harbor; Dorthy “Polly” Walden of Kalamazoo, MI; nieces & nephews: Undra (Cynthia) Jefferson, Signora (Luther) Robinson, Frank (Roxanne) Richburg, Kathy Heart, James Heart, Jr., Toleda Heart, Sandra Heart, Joyce Heart, Fred (Kenita) Roseburgh, Shannon Richburg, Ken (Mia) Walden, Erica Campbell, Beverly Jefferson, John Jefferson, Jr., and Tisha Jefferson; and her special caregiver Susan “Barb” Dantone.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother J.B. Jefferson, her sister Doris Nell Magee, and her brothers-in-law James Roseburgh and Ernest Magee.