Frances Jefferson

Frances Elizabeth (Furlough) Jefferson was born on September 20, 1943 in Denver, Colorado to Clint Furlough and Gertrude Johnson. She was raised by her father and her loving Step-Mother Marguerite A. Furlough whom she affectionately called "Mommie".

Frances graduated from Manual High School in Denver, Colorado in 1961. Some of her fondest high school memories involved her life- long friends Grace Gautier, Linda (Duran) Patton, Barbara Jean (Duran) Patton, Mamie Moor and Billie Jean Henderson.

Frances learned the importance of an education at an early age. As a single Mother her most prized accomplishments were the strength and grace she received from God to raise her two sons, Adofo and Valentino, while completing a Bachelor's of Arts in English (1973) and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Colorado (1979). In addition to her degrees, she received a business education Vocational Teaching Credential from the University of Northern Colorado, a Real Estate Employing Brokers License from the Kaplan Professional School and she was a graduate of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Leadership Denver.

Frances was always grateful to her Godmother Margaret King- Shearon for her support and encouragement while pursuing her education. Margaret's children Leonard, Kathy and Marsha often babysat so that she could work and go to school.

Those who knew Fran would agree that she often would share her opinions in a ‘spicy' way. Her loving, giving heart and devotion where her most personal attributes.
As a Federal Employee, she devoted 45 years to the Department of Labor serving within various agencies, including Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Treasury's Internal Revenue Service and Justice. In addition to her daytime professional position, she spent 17 years (evening) as a Denver Public Schools adult vocational business education instructor.

Frances was a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She served the Denver Alumnae Chapter as president, elected National Officer and was appointed to the National Information and Communications Committee, Ritual and Ceremonies Commission and Central Region Coordinator for Science an Everyday Experience.

In memory of, and at the request of the late Oleta L. Crain, a Colorado pioneer and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2007, Frances founded the Oleta Crain Enrichment Academy (OCEA). She was the project manager for the approximate 1.5 million dollar building renovation. As Trustee of her estate, she played a pivotal role in contributing 500,000 dollars to the Delta Research and Educational Foundation.

Frances has been a devoted member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church for several years. In her Christian experience she was baptized at the age of 16 at New Hope Baptist Church and also served at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She served as a church secretary/clerk, Sunday school teacher, youth counselor/director, trustee, women's department president, women's day chair, speaker and retreat organizer. She also served in several ministries including, the Audio/Visual, Faith To Be Healthy, Repass, and Spiritual Stars ministries at Rising Star.

Because of her devotion to community service she received several awards and recognition to include: being elected as an honorary member of Beta Nu
Chapter, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, a member of the Colorado Woman's Hall of Fame, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Denver Alumnae Torch of excellence, the NCNW Denver Chapters, Living Portrait of African American Award, the NCNW Special Recognition Award, 2010 NCNW Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award, Martin Luther King, North Dakota Humanitarian Award, Vice President Gore's Hammer Award: 15 Secretary of Labor's Exceptional Achievement Awards and Secretary of Labor's Distinguished Career Service Award.

Of all her time being devoted to community and organizations, nothing exceeded her devotion to her family. She cared deeply for all her siblings and was always genuinely concerned for their well-being.

Devoted to providing for her family, Frances often worked two to three jobs to ensure that their financial needs were met, while at the same time, instilling into them Christian values and the importance of education.

She was blessed with seven grandchildren who she cherished. No matter what community or church event was scheduled, she never missed an opportunity to be at their special events to include births, birthdays, sporting events, graduations and other special occasions her kids and/or grandkids had. Her hobbies consisted of shopping for St. John clothing, traveling to Black Hawk, writing and hanging out with her friends at local comedy clubs, musicals, plays and movies.

On the morning of Tuesday April 16, 2019, Frances departed this life unexpectedly. She leaves to cherish her memories Adofo Ghani (Elizabeth Bedart-Ghani), Valentino (Nickola) Jefferson, seven grandchildren; Khaliq (25), Khalil (24), Yaasmeen (22), Juwaan (20), Jahlil (18), Joshua (29) and Jasmine (16); her siblings, Mary (Johnny) Morgan, Willard Furlough and Adrian Johnson, Floyd Copeland (deceased), Rodney Copeland (deceased), Yvonne Summers (deceased), Judy Martin (deceased) and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends, Sorority sisters and her dog, Mylo that will miss her dearly!

Visitation : April 25, 2019 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Fraternity/Sorority Service : April 25, 2019 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Visitation : April 26, 2019 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
1500 South Dayton Street
Denver, CO 80247
(303) 752-0546

Celebration of Life : April 26, 2019 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
1500 South Dayton Street
Denver, CO 80247
(303) 752-0546

Interment : April 26, 2019 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Highland Cemetery
10201 Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229