Mary Lou Jeffers

Mary Lou Sexton Jeffers, 92, of Harrison, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Garfield House in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mary was born on March 22, 1934, in Oneida, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Clifford Sexton and Ollie Phillips Sexton. The youngest and last surviving of ten children, she graduated from Oneida High School in 1952, where she was a talented basketball player. Her on-court skill earned her a basketball scholarship to Nashville Business College.

Mary married Millard "Tim" Jeffers on September 21, 1957, at Pentecost Baptist Church in Oneida, Tennessee. They shared 60 years of marriage until his death in 2018.

Throughout her life, Mary worked as a bookkeeper and babysitter, and was also a poet, farmer, and devoted children's Sunday School teacher. She was a longtime member of Bayside Baptist Church and a beloved member of the Joy Sunday School Class. Her Christian faith was central to her life, and she was known for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to care for others. She shared Jesus with everyone she met.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Millard "Tim" Jeffers; her daughter, Valerie Gaye Jeffers; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Bettie Boshears Jeffers; her sisters, Nell (George) Rawlings and Estelle (Raney) Chitwood; and her brothers, Harry (Daisy) Sexton, Wilburn "Wib" Sexton, Laurence Sexton, Herbert Sexton, Howard (Doris) Sexton, Clifton "Deacon" (Sue) Sexton, and Dewey Sexton.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Jolly (Paul) Goins; her son, Marc (Amanda) Jeffers; her grandson, Prentice Jeffers; and Jordan Fleetwood, whom Mary lovingly cared for from infancy and considered another son. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Johnny Acres and Don Jeffers; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Bayside Baptist Church, 6100 Highway 58, Harrison, Tennessee 37341. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Grady Cooper officiating.

Burial will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

We would like to recognize Vicki and Caitlynn at Garfield House for the loving care and attention they gave to Mary every moment she lived there. We will always remember your kindness. God bless you!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Care Center at Bayside Baptist Church.

Arrangements are by Covenant Funeral & Crematory; Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com <http://www.CovenantFuneral.com>.

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