Dr. Bernice "Dr. J" Elizabeth (Carter) Jefferson

On Sunday, July 17, 2022, Dr. Bernice Elizabeth (Carter) Jefferson joined her soulmate, Charles R. Jefferson, Sr., in heaven.

Affectionately known as "Dr. J", she was born to Sylvester and Bessie Carter in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They moved from Chattanooga and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a child, Dr. J accepted Christ into her life and was baptized into the fellowship of Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. She continued her spiritual journey where she later found her church home at New Mount Zion Baptist Church.

While in high school, she met and fell in love with Charles Jefferson, Sr. She went on to graduate from Lincoln High School in January 1960. They were married on November 26, 1960, and their union was blessed with four children: Bertina, Charlina, Charles Jr., and Berlisa. They were married for 14 years until his death on December 26, 1974.

Dr. J went on to continue her education while being a mother of four children. She was a firm believer in education and eventually received the following degrees: an Associate Degree in Real Estate, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, a Master's degree in Library Science, a second Master’s degree in School Administration, and finally a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree in Elementary Education.

After 25 years of service, Dr. J retired from Plano Independent School District. As an educator, she worked in several school districts as Assistant Principal, Media Specialist, Librarian, and Teacher. Dr. J was also an entrepreneur; she specialized in real estate as a realtor/broker/owner, designed jewelry, owned an E-commerce business, and was a notary public.

Dr. J was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. Jefferson, Sr., and her parents, Sylvester Carter, Jr. and Bessie Lee Laws.

Those left to cherish memories include her children - Bertina Evans (Mark) of Garland, Texas, Charlina Jefferson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Charles Jefferson, Jr. of Spring, Texas, and Berlisa Trufant (Sylvester) of Wylie, Texas; 12 grandchildren - Telissa Evans (Darnell), Chasity Jackson, Alexis Chavez, Cayliah Jackson, Taylor Covington, Alontra Evans (Danmian), Kylor Jefferson, Ciarra Jefferson-Flagg (Tariq), Christipher Trufant, Carissa Jefferson, Charles Jefferson III, and Carson Jefferson; 8 great-grandchildren - Leila Lozano, Liam Jefferson, Kingston Covington, MaCayliah Jackson-Carnes, Leo Chavez, Lauryn Smith, Lilah Jefferson, and Myles Jefferson; sister-in-law Edna Walker of Flint, Michigan; several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and great-nephews; and many relatives and friends.

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