Bishop Tony Lavelle Jefferson, Sr. was born on March 24, 1960, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Augusta Allen, Sr. and Jamie Jefferson. He found his faith early at St. Mark AME Church, and as he grew, his dedication to serving God only deepened. When he joined Tabernacle M.B. Church, he stepped into whatever role was needed * janitor, church van driver, assistant church secretary, and Deacon. Later, he united with Bethlehem M.B. Church under Dr. Moses Black, where he was ordained and served as Assistant Pastor.

In 1998, he accepted the call to lead Anointed New Mt. Olive Church in Hayti, Missouri. For 28 years, he poured his heart into that church family, guiding, teaching, and loving them until his transition.

Bishop Jefferson was also deeply involved in the Friendship Consolidated M.B. District, where he served faithfully in several leadership roles, including 2nd Vice Moderator, Vice-President of the Congress of Christian Education, Vice-Moderator of the Music and Usher Ministry, and Vice-Moderator of the Laymen*s Ministry. He was known for showing up with humility, kindness, and a genuine desire to help others grow in their walk with God.

He graduated from Luxora High School in 1976 and loved playing basketball. After high school, he proudly served three years in the U.S. Army. Throughout his life, he worked in roles that allowed him to connect with people * as a bus driver and Alternative Learning Education teacher in the Osceola School District, as an insurance agent for several companies, and finally as an Insurance Agent with Wilson Funeral Home, where he worked faithfully until his transition.

On May 2, 1998, Bishop Jefferson married Valerie Black, the love of his life. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love, respect, and devotion. He honored his vows to her and to God, living out *unto death do us part.*

Bishop was preceded in death by his parents: Augusta Allen, Sr. and Jamie Mae Jefferson; his brother: Walter Jefferson, Jr.; five sisters: Mary and Martha Jefferson, Era Shine, Vickie and Vanessa Allen. On Monday, June 6, 2026, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, Arkansas, with his loving wife and mother-in-law by his side, Bishop Jefferson peacefully transitioned from all his earthly pain and suffering and entered his eternal life of rest and perfect peace. His memory and legacy will forever be cherished by those who loved him, learned from him, and were touched by his kindness, leadership, and unwavering faith: his loving and devoted wife: Valerie Black-Jeffersoneight sons: Thaddeus Jones, Travis Jones, Tony Jefferson, Jr and Trenton Jefferson of Conway, AR, Anthony Wilkens and Moses Black of Osceola, AR, Brandon Jefferson of Blytheville, AR and Martin Wilson, Jr. of Jonesboro, AR three daughters: Cashanda (Chunky) Wilson of Osceola, AR, Mary Smith of Iowa and Cecila Smith of Mississippi; three brothers: Lee Jefferson of Georgia, Augusta Allen, Jr of Pennsylvania and Ron Jefferson of Osceola, AR; four sisters: Deborah Jefferson-Collins of Osceola, AR, Valerie Fordam of Flint, MI, Patricia (Randy) Norfleet of Jonesboro, AR and Elaine Robertson of Florida; a great granddaughter dear to his heart: Reign Jefferson of Osceola, AR, twenty-seven grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relative, friends and his church family: Anointed New Mt. Olive Church officers and members. 

Funeral service is 10 A.M. at Bethlehem M.B. Church in Osceola, AR.

Interment is at Whiteside Cemetery in Osceola, AR.

Though Bishop Jefferson has stepped out of our sight, the love he shared, the wisdom he poured into others, and the faith he lived so boldly will continue to shine through every life he touched. As we release him into the arms of the Lord, we hold tight to the memories that will never fade. His legacy lives on in his family, his friends, his church, and in every heart he encouraged along the way. We thank God for the gift of his life and for the blessing of having walked beside him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we honor him by continuing the work, the love, and the faith he so beautifully lived.

Wilson Funeral Home in Osceola, AR is in charge of the arrangements.