Sister Shirley M. Blanford

Sister Shirley Jefferies Blanford was born on May 29, 1941, in Dunnellon, Florida, to the late Marian Jefferies and Rosie Mae Samerville.

Sister Shirley Jefferies Blanford accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. When she was younger, she attended Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church before later uniting with First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was baptized. A faithful and devoted servant of God, Shirley was an active member who sang in the church choir for many years, faithfully attended Sunday School and Bible Study, and worshipped regularly until her health no longer permitted her to do so.

Shirley attended Booker T. Washington High School, where she was a standout athlete and star player on the girls’ basketball team. Her outstanding talent earned her a scholarship offer to play basketball at Bethune-Cookman College. However, she made the selfless decision to remain at home to raise her beloved son, Eric Jefferies. Years later, Eric proudly attended Bethune-Cookman College, where he became a member of the renowned Fighting Wildcats Marching Band, affectionately known as “The Pride.”

Shirley had a passion for sports and especially enjoyed watching football and basketball. She also loved playing cards, with whist being her favorite game. In quieter moments, she found joy in working crossword puzzles and watching her favorite classic television shows.

Cherishing her precious memories are:

Three devoted sons: Eric Keith Jefferies (Cannella) of Tallahassee, Florida; Kenneth Daniel Blanford of Ocala, Florida; and Terry James Blanford of Ocala, Florida.

Fifteen beloved grandchildren: Antione, Erika, Malaika, Malik, Derrick, Lexie, Moriah, Madison, Maryssa, Abbigail, Terry Jr., Trevarius, Ciara, Nevaeh, and Sydney.

Ten treasured great-grandchildren: Melinda, Zora, Arella, Jiah, Imahni, Nariah, Elasia, Rae’lynn, Kingsley, and Blessyn.

She also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends, all of whom will forever cherish her memory and celebrate the beautiful legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion that she leaves behind.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23