Annette E Jefferson

Affectionately known as “Miz. J.,” “Gram J.,” “Dr. J.” and “Mom J.”; Dr. Annette E. Jefferson was many things to many people. She walked in her purpose as a loving daughter, dedicated mother, sister, cousin, trusted friend, community activist, historian, teacher, and follower of Christ. Born December 1, 1945 to proud parents, Robert and Anna Beatty, Annette grew into her role as younger sister to Trudi. As a self- proclaimed “extrovert,” she would often recall getting into trouble for “speaking up;” while Trudi was the “quiet one” who never “got in trouble” and kept her clothes clean. Annette was always proud of being a second generation graduate of West High School, where she made history as the first African-American on the very first “Weskettes” drill team in the early 1960’s. During her high school years she met, fell in love with and later married the drum major for East High School’s marching band- Alan Roy Jefferson. From that union three beautiful children came forth: Darrin Michele, Alan Robert, and Kenya Neil. In her mid 20’s, as a single parent with three young children, she began her educational journey with The Ohio State University. She was quoted as saying “I thought a degree would be my ticket off the welfare rolls, and viewed education as a way to liberate myself and my three children from the projects.” She couldn’t have been more right! Her educational credentials were a springboard into the Columbus Public Schools, where she taught language arts for six years. With the threat of layoffs ever present, she decided to return to OSU and received an M.A. in Black Studies and Urban Development in 1979 with the goal of helping to inspire social change. She was hired as the Director of Social Development at the J. Ashburn, Jr. Youth Center on Columbus’ west side. A year later, she moved on to the Columbus Urban League, where as Director of Education and Youth Services she refined the structure of the existing program and implemented new ones for young people. At this point, she also found herself in demand for committee and board work for a variety of central Ohio agencies. Her burgeoning career helped her to focus on a new goal. She realized that social work administration was the academic field she should call her own. Soon after, she resigned her Urban League position in favor of newroles as Ph.D student and Graduate Administrative Associate at The Ohio State University. In 1996 Annette received her Doctorate in Social Work Administration. Rather than do what many with a doctorate degree do, work in research or teach, she wanted to work in her community and make a difference (Although she did teach for The University of Phoenix later on). She founded the Hilltop Neighborhood Action Group. Under her direction alliances were forged with The United Way and The Columbus Foundation; from which funding and grants were received for programming and neighborhood revitalization. Besides her work-related and community roles, Annette enjoyed role playing as a living history presenter. Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Coretta Scott King are a few of the characters that lived vicariously through her. She performed and offered programming at venues and events around the state as well as nationally through her company DeArk Enterprises, the Speaker’s Bureau of the Ohio Humanities Council, The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, and We’ve Known Rivers- an African American living history theater arts company. Annette was a loving, compassionate soul who had a heart for people. She provided wise council and encouragement to others; even including strangers! Her creativity and dynamic spirit were boundless. In December 2016 Annette was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She didn’t let it stop her though. She courageously endured chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. At one point she even provided transportation to doctor appointments and grocery store trips for a childhood friend who was also battling cancer. In the summer of 2018 Annette created, implemented, and supervised the Shalom Zone’s summer youth program at two locations on the hilltop. Her passion for education and young people kept her going. Some of her joys were tending to her garden/yard, reading with her book club, storytelling, researching historical figures, craft projects, and family sing-alongs. She was a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, and previously worshiped at The Oakley Baptist Church working with the youth and Rhema Christian Center, where she was active on the Hannah Ministries, Inc. Advisory Board. The Worship Center of Central Ohio was her recent church home, where she enjoyed praise and worship as well as liturgical dance. Over the course of her life and career Dr. Jefferson has received numerous awards, recognitions, and opportunities; a FEW of which include: 2000 - Women of Character Award, presented by the Greater Hilltop Community Development Corporation 2001- Living History Performance at the Ohio Chautauqua 2001- Founded the No Name Yet Book Club 2002 – The Jefferson Awards recipient 2010 – Living Legends Award, presented by Youth Connections, Inc. 2014- Inducted into the West High School Alumni Hall of Fame 2016 – Distinguished Career Award/ Induction into the College of Social Work Alumni Hall of Fame, The Ohio State University 2018 – Recipient of the C. Joseph Sprague Community Champion Award presented by the Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone. Annette is preceded in death by her parents Robert A. Beatty, and Anna Margret J. Beatty. She leaves to cherish her memory: sister, Trudus E. Lynch; Children Darrin M. (Elder Bradley) Grandison, Alan R. Jefferson, and Kenya N. (Timothy) Davis; grandchildren, Ty Grandison, Tia Grandison, Robert Jefferson, Michael Grandison, Marshall Grandison, Timothy Davis, and Jalyn Jefferson; great grandchild Isaiah Harris; and a host of cousins and friends.