of Osceola, AR

March 17, 1919 - July 1, 2020

On July 1, 2020, John Jefferson, lovingly known as Ruff, was called home to be with the Lord. He lived a very long and fruitful life before passing at the age of 101 years old in Arlington, Texas. John was born on March 17, 1919 to his parents, Frank and Elouise Jefferson, as one of five children. The Jefferson Family planted roots in Osceola, Arkansas where John lived most of his life.

Most knew him as a soft-spoken and carefree man who rarely let things get under his skin. The man known as Ruff and also known as Albert was a dedicated worker. John worked at the Osceola Oil Mill for many years before retiring from the Car Gill. In his pastime, one could find him tinkering with an old lawn-mower or doing a little handywork.

Later in his life, John lost his eyesight to a degenerative eye disease but he never let it slow him down. With this challenge set before him, he never was one to complain but tackled life head-on. John was a devoted Christian man who made it a point to be in the church-house if the doors were open.

John is preceded in death by his wife Dessie Jefferson, John Jefferson Jr. (son), parents, Frank and Elouise Jefferson, Frank Jr. (brother), Walter Sr. (brother), Elizabeth Jones (sister), and Lillie Mae Burnett (sister). He is survived by his children: Emma Leffall, Mark Jefferson, Tracy Ross, Karen Jefferson, Helen Mott, Bill Brown, Alphonso Frazier, and Thomas Frazier. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Swift Funeral Home
Highway 61 South
Osceola, AR  72370
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com