Hollen Jefferson Sr.

Mr. Hollen Jefferson Sr., 80, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at Northeast Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born April 2, 1931, to Marion Gus and Lucy Jefferson in Bucker, Ark., he had been a member of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Keiser for over 40 years. He retired in 1995 after 22 years of service at the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. He worked as lead foreman and held various other positions as well. He also served on the County Extension Council Board of the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture. After his retirement, he enjoyed farming and gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Joyce Wright; his brothers, Gus and Larry Jefferson; and his sister, Florida Jones.

Mr. Jefferson is survived by his loving wife of more than 58 years, Blanche (Travis) Jefferson;

Five daughters, Dianna (and Roger) Ray of Jonesboro, Barbara (and James) Brown of Little Rock, Brenda (and John) Sanders of Blytheville, Charlotte Smith of Tyronza, and Kimberly (and Charles) Baker of Atlanta;

Four sons, Hollen Jefferson Jr. of Osceola, Calvin Jefferson of Columbus, Jimmy Jefferson of Wrightsville, and Myron (and Shalawn) Jefferson of Atlanta;

One adopted son, Lamar Jefferson of Houston;

Five sisters, Rosie B. White of Wichita, Janette Jefferson of Compton, Henrietta Johnson of Phoenix, and Sharon Morton and Kathy Conway of St. Louis;

Two brothers, Carl Jefferson and Le High Acres and Frank Jefferson of Los Angeles; and

Twenty-eight grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Wilson Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Promiseland Church of God in Christ in Osceola. Burial will follow at Whiteside Cemetery.