Doris Jefferson

Doris Wood Thomas Jefferson was the first born to the late Lloyd W. Wood and Eva G. (Williams) Wood on February 26, 1927. As a child Doris was affectionately called “Sophie” by her sister Joline (Jo Jo) Wood Towels and her closest cousin Sarah Edna Williams. Along with the rest of her family. Doris accepted Christ at an early age at Grafton Baptist church in Middlesex County Virginia. Every year she made it a point to travel in August to the Homecoming service as she called it her Home Church. Most of the family is buried at the adjoining graveyard therefore Doris would do a walking tour of the family gravestones to show her grandchildren where their ancestors were buried. She always had a story for each person. 

Doris met a young Navy man named James Arthur Thomas they fell in love and from their union they were blessed with two children Paulette Marea (who preceded her in death) and Ronald Lloyd. They lived in Baltimore, MD.

In 1959 on one of her visits to the “Home Church” in Virginia, Doris met Thomas Alonzo Jefferson and they were married 11 months later. Doris then moved her family to Philadelphia. She joined Jones Memorial Baptist church in November of 1962. She became a Deaconess in 1968. 

Doris believed in education, she attended Frederic Douglas High school in Baltimore, MD and Cortez Peters Business School in the same city and state. However when she moved to Philadelphia and could not get employment that matched her skills therefore, she entered into the nursing field and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at John F. Kennedy Hospital for 30 years until her retirement. She loved caring for her patients and giving them the best quality of care she could. After retirement, Doris used her gifts to take care of others whenever she could. 

Doris was the ultimate hostess, teaching her children and grandchildren how to dress a proper table and host a dinner party. Most Sundays you could find her in the kitchen making her famous dinner rolls and building a crab cake tree, with a home full of Ministers, Deacons, Radio personalities and their families awaiting her delicious meals. Doris loved feeding her family and friends. 

In 2005 due to health and transportation concerns, Doris changed her membership to a church that was close to her home; St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church. While there she served as a member of the senior choir. Doris found joy in singing, crocheting, gardening, shopping at factory outlets and spending time with her family. 

Doris leaves to build her legacy, (1) son Ronald L. Thomas, (1) son-in-law Bennie Bracey jr., (1) first cousin Suzanne Woodard, (6) grandchildren: Michael Bracey (Tanya), Monique Whitaker(James), Melissa Daye(Maurice), Marian Thomas. Maria Bracey, Shinue Thomas; (10) great grandchildren: Keith, Symone, Bethany(Larry), Sydney, Sean, Seth, Isaiah, Mahogani. Dylohn, Malachi; (6) great-great grandchildren: Asantae’, Olivia, Royalty, Ava  Sylas, and Kehlani, a host of family and friends. 

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