Mary EFFERSON

Mary Efferson, 95, of Roanoke, and formerly of Coalwood, W.Va., was born September 7, 1917, in DaIzell, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Rintha Richardson. She departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Friendship Retirement Community in Roanoke, following a long illness surrounded by love ones. She was united in marriage to the late Junior Efferson and from this union six children were born. She worked at the Coalwood Community Club House in Coalwood, W.Va., and also the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch, W.Va. She was a devoted member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for over 40 years, where she served in several ministries. She moved to Roanoke after the death of her husband in 1992, and became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents and loving husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Louise Richardson; a grandson, Clifford D. Efferson; six sisters; and three brothers.
She leaves to cherish her memory five loving and caring children, Julian (Theresa), James (Debra) Efferson, both of Denver Colo., Henry Efferson, of N.Y.; her devoted caregiver, Valerie (Kenneth N.) Phelps, of Roanoke and Zenobia Efferson, of Montgomery Village, Md.; one adopted grandson, Julian S. Efferson, of Virginia; a devoted nephew who was just like a son, Johnny (Agatha) Efferson, of Floral Park, N.Y.; one sister, Betty Simmons, of Manning, S.C.; 21 grandchildren; 31 great- grandchildren; 19 great-great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2013, at Morning Star Baptist Church with the Dr. L. A. Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Bluefield, W.Va. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.