Gloria Taylor Jefferson

Reflections of Gloria's Life
" Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
Deaconess Gloria Taylor Jefferson was born on February 10, 1953, to the union of the late WJ "Buddy" McClenton and R. Lee Brumfield McClenton in Varnado, LA. She transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home to be with our Lord and Savior on May 4, 2025.
Gloria, a native and long term resident of Varnado, LA, moved to Zachary, LA in 2019 and later to Baton Rouge, LA in 2021, for care by her family due to her declining health. She succumbed to her illness at the rightful age of seventy-two.
Gloria accepted Christ and was baptized in 1988, at Mt. Zionb Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. A.S. Nelson. There, she was an active member and participant in the Women's Ministry and looked forward every year for the Senior Mission Fellowship. She took great joy in making things unique and beautiful for others. She had just the right creative touch for any occasion.
After the passing of Dr. Nelson, Gloria would later move her church membership to Holy Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Leslie Fields, Jr. Although she changed membership, her heart did not change. Upon her arrival, it didn't take her long to dig her heels in. She immediately began God's work and did whatever she was called upon to do. Gloria believed in the power of prayer and serving others. She was a very active member until her health declined.
Gloria attended Jones Creek School in Varnado, LA. Gloria made history when she was selected to be one of the first small group of students to integrate Varnado High School. She was a middle schooler at the time, and was one of the youngest students in the first group. That was the beginning of her trailblazing life. Upon graduating from high school, Gloria attended Southeastern University in Hammond, La. She would later attend Sullivan Professional-Technical School in Bogalusa, LA. With her knowledge and education, Gloria earned several certifications and became a para-educator at VHS, professionally skilled seamstress, certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, speaker, event decorator, florist, "professional shopper", and the boss of all things, earning her the nickname Boss Hog.
Additionally, Gloria was a community worker. She genuinely cared about others and their well being. She took great joy in visiting the elderly and sick. Gloria loved putting a smile on their face along with a small token or bag/box of goodies in their hand. One of her greatest accomplishments was being one of the founding members of Jesus' People Against Pollution (JPAP). Taking on that task led her to the White House in Washington DC where she was involved with conversations and changing policies as it relates to how our communities were being affected by harmful chemical and dangerous pollution. Shad the opportunity to meet with former President Bill Clinton and work with the late Attorney Johnny Cochran.
Gloria was a strong matriarch and a great role model for her family and loved ones. She was outgoing and was always a hard worker and provider. She leaves to carry on her Legacy and Precious memories with her two sons, Rev. Quintero (Tonia Burns-)Taylor and Trilon Taylor; two daughters, Arleshia Taylor-(Jimmy) Douglas and Jerion Lindsey. She was a devoted compassionate, and caring grandmother to fourteen: Tabitha, Teresa, Reginald, Quintero Jr., NaDarius, Zahria, Tharon Jr., TaJerriah, TyJanique, Trilon Jr., Tr'Darrion, Tri'Chandria, Tyanna, and Tri'Darius; and twelve great-grandchildren; one godson, Salarius Magee; one sister, Effie Hatcher, and one uncle, Clinton Brumfield Sr.
She is also survived by four sons in love, Donald Jefferson Jr. Darryl Jefferson, Maurice Jones, and Landrus Forbes; two daughters in love: Jerry Peters, and Linda Owukori; and four sisters in love, Kim McClenton, Betty Reed, Cemmie Taylor and Annie Taylor. Lastly, she leaves to cherish her memories to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friend.
Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Curtis "CJ" Jefferson,Jr.; her parents, WJ and R.Lee McClenton; grandparents, Jessie Brumfield and Hattie Robinson Brumfield; brother Jessie McClenton; sisters, Florence Brumfield, and Lucille Carter.