Tyler Alexandra Jefferson

Homegoing services are scheduled for Tyler Alexandra Jefferson on Monday-November 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Baptist Church of Tyler with the Rev. Mark Hood officiating. Miss Jefferson was an active member of the United States Navy and will be buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors. Born on January 12, 1991 to Dachel St. Mary Edwards and Tyrus Jefferson, Tyler entered the world having a thirst for knowledge because her Mother read to her faithfully even while she was yet in her Mother’s womb. Tyler always enjoyed learning as a child and was well-known for her intelligence. An honor student in school, Tyler excelled in her studies. As a student in the International Baccalaureate Program at John Tyler High School, Tyler studied advanced French for three years and was a member of the French Club. As a senior at John Tyler High School, Tyler brought her exceptional writing skills to the University Interscholastic League Journalism Writing Team, specializing in Editorial Writing. Dedicated and committed to attending after-school two-hour writing sessions several times a week, Tyler competed in the District 5A U.I.L. Academic Meet and won first place in Editorial Writing, defeating Robert E. Lee, DeSoto, Mesquite, Mesquite North and Mesquite Horn High Schools. Tyler went on to join four other John Tyler District Journalism Winners to compete at the Regional U.I.L. competition held at Baylor University in Waco in April 2009. Tyler enjoyed reading, listening to music and singing. On Mother’s Day, 2009, Tyler and her brother, Andre’, serenaded their Mother with the song “Mama” made famous by Boys To Men. Graduating from John Tyler High School in June 2009 was a very happy day for Tyler. Surrounded by her family members from Palestine and Dallas, Tyler basked in the glow of accomplishment as she celebrated her achievement with her family and friends from far and near. Determined to succeed in life, Tyler was absolutely enthusiastic about joining the United States Navy following graduation in June 2009. In the U.S. Navy, Tyler was an Intelligence Technician Seaman Recruit. Tyler lost her life on Thursday-November 12, 2009 in West Pensacola, Florida near the U.S. Navy Base where she was stationed. Left to cherish her memory are her Mother, Mrs. Dachel St. Mary-Edwards of Tyler and Step-father, Threll Edwards; her Brother, Andre’ Jefferson, of Tyler; her Father, Tyrus Jefferson and Stepmother, Angela Jefferson and siblings Tyris and Kalaina of Tyler; brother Shannon of Arkansas, Tyvarus of Alabama and LaTyria; Great-Grandmother, Mary Lou Williams; Grandparents, Archie Edwards and Antoinette Edwards; Lionel Felton, Sr., of Convent, Louisiana; Ruby Jefferson of Tyler; Aunts Anice Charmaine Asberry, Mara Nicole Asberry and Uncle Efford Asberry, Jr., and wife Rheana. Preceding her in death was her Grandmother, Francie St. Mary Asberry. Visitation with the family will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home of Tyler from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 on Sunday-November 22, 2009.