Patsy Ann Jefferson

Patsy Ann (Key) Jefferson was born to Lamar Bradley Key and Margaret Alverta Johnson Key on August 12, 1941, in Frederick, Maryland. Patsy was presented to the world to bring joy, laughter, and hope to all she encountered. Patsy developed into a young lady of integrity and distinction with God's grace and family guidance. An intellectually astute woman, Patsy graduated from Reading High School.

Patsy Jefferson's life story reflects many years of unyielding faith, notable accomplishments, and acts of kindness. CNA Insurance Company employed Patsy in Reading, PA., for 36 years. Her initial position was Clerk Typist moving from Insurance Underwriter Assistant to full Underwriter position, including agency visitations.

She then accepted the opportunity to relocate to Silver Springs, MD., as a Sales Rep. for agency visitations and sales support to encourage training. While attending a training class herself, she was approached to consider a Management/Training position in Chicago, IL. Thus, she relocated again, including developing training material more specific to agency needs, which included travel around the country.

She took early retirement and returned home to Reading, PA. However, she was not ready to "stay" home. So, she returned to CNA in Reading, PA, for a particular project for another period. She retired again in 1996 from the CNA Insurance Co. after 38 years. Having returned home locally, she was employed by two banks, then ILEAD Charter School, and the Family Resource Center. Finally, she accepted the position of NAACP Treasurer in 1998.

Patsy also had an interest in legislation. She was in correspondence with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on Health Care Reform, reauthorization of the Superfund Act (cleaning hazardous waste sites), Social Security & Medicare, and Senate Bill 23 (regulate financial institutions that sell insurance). Patsy was a manager/member of the Toastmasters Club, NAACP (Silver Life member, Reading Branch #2289), Insurance Distaff Executives Association of Chicago, Chicago Association of Insurance Women, National Association of Professional Insurance Women (President), and Zion Baptist Church of Reading, PA (served along with the Trustee Ministry), and the Family First Resource Center. Because of the enormous amount of training, she was awarded "Insurance Woman of the Year" in 1995, the "Illinois Insurance Professional" of the year award in 1993, Recognition for 2021 Unsung Hero Juneteenth, and the Certification of Appreciation Berks County Area of the Aging.

She is surviving to cherish her loving memory with her two children, Gregery Williams (Gail) and Tracie Young-Blake (Jeffery), of Danbury, CT. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Shaun and Kimberly Williams; Elonzo and Brigham Young. Patsy was predeceased by her father, Lamar B. Key, the twins, and her loving mother, Margaret A. Key. Her brothers; Lamar Bradley, William Glenn, and Lawrence Edward. Her sisters; Mary Alverta, Gloria Jean, Margaret Vivian, and Jean Elizabeth. Countless friends, colleagues, and constituents from around the world will miss her dearly and have been deeply impacted by her passing.

Graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Friday, January 16, 2025, at 10AM.

Arrangements are being handled by Harris Funeral Home.