Mark Jefferson

Deacon Mark Jefferson was born on April 29, 1954 to the late James and Thelma Jefferson, he was the fifth of eight children.

He graduate from Asheville High School in 1973, and joined the United States Army in
Charlotte, NC 1976. He served his country for 20 years and was a Cannon Crewmember of 13 Bravo
Company, commanding howitzer cannons, artillery ammunition, participating in reconnaissance
operations and overseeing ammunition vehicles. He served his country proudly domestically and on
foreign soil. Deacon Jefferson retired from the United States Army in 1996 with honors.

Brother Jefferson married the love of his life in 1995, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He, his new bride
and family moved to Charlotte, NC soon after he retired from the military. As a second career, Brother
Jefferson worked at Piedmont Natural Gas until his health began to decline.

Brother Jefferson was saved at an early age at Worldwide Missionary Baptist Church in
Asheville, NC, under the leadership of Pastor Wesley Grant, Senior. While stationed in Lawton,
Oklahoma Brother Jefferson join the Music Department and played the bass guitar at Mount Calvary
Baptist Church. After moving to Charlotte, NC, Brother Jefferson played the base guitar with the Music
Department at New Bethel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Evangelist Lucy Williams.
Continuing in his spiritual growth with the Lord, Brother Jefferson was ordained a Deacon at New Bethel
Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Tommie A. Murphy, now Bishop Murphy.

Deacon had a special love for his grandchildren and played a large part in their development.
Deacon Jefferson was fond of playing the guitar, teaching young learners and gifting them some of his
favorite guitars. He enjoyed muscle cars and traveling abroad; he traveled to great sites such as: Florence,
Italy, Venice, Italy, Rome, Italy, Berta Garten, Germany, East Berlin, Germany, Niagara Falls, Canada
and Negril, Jamaica to name a few.

Deacon Mark Jefferson leaves behind to mourn his transition his beloved wife of 39 years
Deaconess Alma Jefferson, his three children: Tonia Rhodes of South Carolina, Shanesa Jefferson of
Georgia, and Linus Rhodes of Charlotte, NC. Grandchildren - twins Dashaun and Trashaun Rhodes,
Devonte’ Harris (Jada), Terrell Harris and Shamiah Rhodes. Great-grand Malayia Rhodes; Beloved
Brothers Larry Jefferson (Mildred), Asheville, NC, Tracey Jefferson (Georgia), Asheville, NC, Phillip
Jefferson, Asheville, NC, Clarence Jefferson (Patricia), Baltimore, MD and Darnell Jefferson (Jeanine)

Tampa, FL. Beloved Sisters – Genesis Jefferson, Asheville, NC and predeceased Patricia Orjia
(Nathanel), Charlotte, NC and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.