JOYCE LAVERNE JEFFERSON

Joyce LaVerne Smith Jefferson

“J’Diva”

September 19,1952 - December 12, 2024

Joyce LaVerne was one of God’s special gifts. Born to William and Joyce Smith, God

decided to bless her with another set of parents, John and Leah Fielder, who she grew

up with but still having the connection with her birth parents.

Being the youngest sister of William, Leonard and Deborah and the oldest sister of her

bonus sisters, Johnnetta Fielder Pitts and Eleanor Fielder Joubert, made her very

unique. It molded her into a strong, caring, funny, talented and nurturing woman.

Joyce graduated from Polytechnic High School in San Francisco, California then started

working at Wells Fargo for many years.

Accepting the Lord at an early age, Joyce was involved in many ministries of the church

such as: Drill team, youth department and especially the Choir. Joyce's voice could

reach heaven. She sang in choirs in church, gospel groups and in school.

Her current Church membership was with Straightway Missionary Baptist Church,

Mojave, California where Pastor Charles Johnson is Pastor and she continued her gift in

the choir.

She met the love of her life, Porter Lee Jefferson and were married on July 23, 1983

and started a lifelong dream of hers.

Wanting a child of her own, They were finally blessed with what she called her miracle

baby, Porter Brandon Jefferson. Her love for those two was immeasurable.

She leaves on earth her husband Porter Lee and son Porter Brandon Jefferson, three

sisters: Johnnetta Fielder Pitts, Eleanor Fielder Joubert, Deborah Smith, two brothers:

William/Barbara Smith, Leonard/Ann Smith,

Two bonus daughters: Angela and Samantha Jefferson

Nephews: Jerry Joubert, Joshua Howell, William Smith III, Rahsaan and Alexander

Smith

Nieces: Jessica/Joel Rickerson, Deirdre/Christopher Bergeron

Bonus grandchildren: Romello Jefferson, Storie Ingram, Royale & Ca’mya Vincent

Great Nephew and Nieces: DaVonna, JoAnna, and Joel Rickerson

Aunt: Shirley Crookshank and Uncle: Adrian Sellers

Her sisters/cousins: Queen, Precious AnGel, Merical, Honey Bee and Trinity,

and a host of family and friends.

Joyce's laughter will ring in our hearts and minds forever.