Elizabeth Jefferies

Deaconess Elizabeth Jefferies, 90, of Duquesne Pennsylvania, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2020, in Woodhaven Care Center, Monroeville, PA. She was born May 22, 1929 in Greenville, South Carolina, daughter of the late John and Rosella Tate. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hermon B. Jefferies and sister Parthenia Johnson and a step daughter Jean Davis (John).

Mrs. Jefferies resided in Duquesne with her late husband of 51 years and was the owner of Tate's confectionery for over 50 years. In many ways, she was a pioneer in the local business community of Duquesne for having owned a business during a time when it was uncommon for women of color to be business owners. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Liz” to those who frequented her store. Her store was the last remaining of its kind before it closed in 2012. Mrs. Liz invested in the lives of many of the children in the area and her store would often be the best spot for penny candy. Mrs. Liz catalogued many of the Children’s accomplishments by posting media and pictures in and around her store as memorabilia.

She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church for many years where she served as the longest standing Deaconess.

She leaves behind daughters, Mrs. Loren (Ronald) Pulliam, Pittsburgh, PA and Mrs. Darlene (Dweldon) Lovett, Atlanta, GA; a step daughter Janice (Richard) Harris, North Versailles, PA; seven grandchildren DJ (Jasmine) Lovett, Danielle Lovett, Darla (Kenneth) Daye, Stacy (Donald) Slater, Joseph Davis, John Davis III and Janice Davis; two great grandchildren Jordan Slater and Lennon Daye; and a host of nieces and nephews that she affectionately loved.

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