Frances Jefferson Terry

Frances Jefferson Terry was a caring wife, mother, great-great-grandmother, friend, and community activist. She was born to Ruth Williams Jefferson and Walter Louis Jefferson on January 7, 1930, in Jackson, Mississippi. She left this world on October 6, 2024, at 94, and is now resting peacefully with her beloved husband of 67 years, Bob.

At age twelve, her parents moved their two daughters to Seattle, Washington, where they could receive a more equitable education than in Mississippi. She graduated from Seattle's Broadway High School in 1946 at age 16.

Throughout her life, she has been passionate about education and community engagement. She earned a nursing degree from Seattle University, becoming the first African American to graduate from the School of Nursing. Later, she earned a master's degree in nursing from the University of Washington. A groundbreaker in the nursing community, Frances raised a family of five children while working as an R.N. and ARNP in various nursing fields. These fields include hospitals, public schools, community mental health, the non-profit sectors, and educational institutions. In May 1993, she was recognized as one of three outstanding nurses at Harborview Medical Center during National Nurses Week. A forty-nine-year member of the Washington State Nurses Association, she represented the WSNA at the International Congress of Nurses in Madrid, Spain. Frances was inducted into the WSNA Hall of Fame in 2000. A highlight of her nursing career was a trip to China in an exchange nursing program, which allowed her to experience and learn about a different culture while bringing new nursing practices in physical and mental illness to the people there. She was a long-time member of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association, mentoring young students interested in a nursing career.

Frances served on the Board of Seattle's Catholic Community Services. She and Bob were active members of the Immaculate Conception Church and served on the Parish Council. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Seattle's Delta Upsilon Omega chapter. Among France's proudest moments was attending President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her sister, Alice Marie, son-in-law, Roy Hays, and great-grandson, Khabir. She is survived by her daughter Deborah (Kalvin), sons Robert (Marilyn), Michael, W. Brian (MizSunni), and Walter. She leaves eleven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was deeply loved and will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Mass will occur at Immaculate Conception Church, 820 18th Ave, Seattle, on Saturday, November 2, at 10:00 AM. A Repast will follow at Immaculate Conception Social Hall. A private burial is scheduled at Holyrood Cemetery.

Viewing at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, Friday, November 1, noon-5 PM.