Ms. Dianne Faye Jefferson

Ms. Dianne Faye Jefferson (April 4, 1955 – June 30, 2023) Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. Inurnment will be held in Bellevue Memorial Park Psalms 23:4 – Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thou rod and they staff they comfort me. On June 30, 2023, our Lord dispatched an angel to carry home our beloved Dianne Faye Jefferson. Dianne was born April 4, 1955, to the late Watt Morel Jefferson and Sadie Blanche Lemelle Jefferson in Opelousas, Louisiana. She was the ninth child born to this union. Throughout her life, Dianne was an avid reader which resulted in her excelling academically. She graduated top of her 1972 class at Port Barre High School, receiving many prestigious awards and summa cum laude from Grambling State University in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and French. While at Grambling, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta in 1973. She returned to Grambling and received her Master’s degree in French in 1978. During her time at Grambling, she was a member of several honor societies such as: • Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society • Pi Gamma Mu National Social Science Gamma Honor Society • Alpha Mu Gamma National Foreign Language Honor Society Dianne had a passion for foreign languages. She was fluent in French, Mandarin, and Spanish. She traveled extensively to countries where these languages were spoken. In 1979, she began her employment at Alcorn State University (ASU) in Lorman, Mississippi. During her 25 year tenure at ASU, she taught three languages, French, Spanish, English and served as an Advisor for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her students and colleagues enjoyed her cooking. She introduced them to various international foods and different types of sweets. In 1983, Diane received the honor of being named Outstanding Young Women. In 2004, Dianne retired from Alcorn State University and returned home to Opelousas, Louisiana. She is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Intelligent, creative, passionate, generous, and loving are only a few attributes of our beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Dianne leaves to mourn and cherish her memory two brothers, Watt Jefferson, Jr. of Takoma, MD and Vernon Jefferson (Gwen) of Shreveport, LA; one aunt, Dr. Adeline Evans of Tallahassee, FL; one sister-in-law, Crystal Jefferson of Durham, NC; special nieces, Colandra Authorlee of Opelousas, LA, Tizna Harrison of Houston, TX, Erica Williams and Ashley Jefferson both of Baton Rouge, LA, Olufemi Adebo of Boston, MA; Mona Lawrence (Peter) of Houston, TX, Cristin Jenkins (Adam) of Durham, NC; special nephews, Joseph Jefferson Jr. (Michelle) of Houston , TX, Marcus Jefferson of Phoenix, AZ, Olumide Adebo (U-Meleni) of Boston, MA and Gregory Jefferson (Brittany) of Brooklyn, NY; special great nieces and nephews Lacy Authorlee, Benjamin Jefferson, Naomi Jefferson, Jabulani Adebo, Rylee Williams, Jamey Lawrence, Matthew Lawrence, Raegan Jenkins, Ryan Jenkins, Marlow Jefferson; special cousin Marilyn Kennerson (daughters, Kaitlyn Semien and Caroline Kennerson) of Carencro, LA; close friends, Esther Thomas, Maxine Simon and Debra Thomas; and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Watt and Sadie Lemelle Jefferson; three brothers, Morel Jefferson, Joseph Jefferson, Sr., and Gregory Jefferson, Sr.; six sisters, Blanche Smith, Hazel Jefferson, Vax Jefferson, Lena Adebo, Virginia Allison, and Sylvia Belle Jefferson. Also, two uncles, Zackarie Lemelle Sr. and Clifton Lemelle Sr.; and five aunts, Elizabeth Perry, Virginia Arnold, Zoia Jones, Josie Pennywell, and Ida Gafford. Quiet hours and reflection will be held from 8:00 AM to 10:45 AM Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Williams Funeral Home. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Ms. Dianne Faye Jefferson

April 4, 1955 - June 30, 2023