Mrs. Ella Marie Jefferson

Obituary For Mrs. Ella Marie Jefferson

Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Marie Jefferson, 70, of Santee, SC, will be held 11:00am, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 2025 Bass Drive, Santee, SC, with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

On Friday afternoon, July 11th at 6:50 p.m., an angel whispered in Ella Marie Nixon Jefferson’s ear and asked if she was ready to meet her heavenly father. She answered, “Yes” and peacefully slept away to her heavenly home while in the comfort of her faithful husband and family.

Mrs. Ella, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 25, 1954, in Andrews, SC to the late Rev. Horace Nathaniel Nixon, Sr. and the late First Lady Ella Snowden Nixon. She was 70 years old and the youngest of six children.

Ella was a devoted wife to her devoted husband, Deacon Hampton Jefferson, and the two were rarely seen apart. God graced and gifted Hampton and Ella with four children in which she loved and took pride in raising. In knowing that much, she was also a hugger and a person who never met a stranger. She took joy in helping others, working on puzzle books, cooking for others and her family, playing games and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her laughter and smile will be missed by all who knew her.

Ella graduated from Rosemary High School in Andrews, SC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature and Master of Arts Degree in Education with a minor in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University in 1976. Ella worked for the Orangeburg County School Districts for over 30 years, both as an English and Language Arts Educator and later as a Substitute Teacher and Administrator. Her honors include being recognized as Teacher of the Year during her tenure. Her passion for those who desire to learn and her desire to teach was evident in every aspect of her life. During her life, Ella wore many hats, some of which included: English Teacher, Administrative Assistant, Department Chairperson, Team leader, Mentor, Computer Lab Facilitator, Student Teacher Instructor and Classroom Observer, Board Member, Bible Study Teacher and servant.

Ella, a member of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, for many years, faithfully served on many committees and auxiliaries, some of which included: Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent & Teacher, Chairperson of the Usher Board, Easter Committee, Kitchen and Hospitality Committee, Missionary

Ella was preceded in death by: her parents, Rev. Horace Nathaniel Nixon, Sr. and First Lady Ella Snowden Nixon; her siblings: Horace Nathaniel Nixon, Jr., Christine Nixon Hurrell, James Levern Nixon and Samuel Nixon.

Ella leaves her loving husband, Hampton Jefferson. Children: Chaun Antoine (Georgia) of Columbia, SC; Starleigh Monique of Santee, SC; Shannon Demetrius of Myrtle Beach, SC, Kendrick Nathaniel of Kansas City, MO. Grandchildren: Savannah, Jahsandra, Jordynn and Egypt all of Columbia, SC. Two brothers: Danny Alexander (Florine) Nixon of Andrews, SC and George Jerrod Snowden of Rochester, NY. Four brothers-in-law: Josephus Hurell of Andrews, SC, Willie Lee (Freddie Mae) Jefferson, Lincaway (Willa) Jefferson of Norwalk, CT , Allen Brown of Santee, SC. Six sisters-in-law, Janie Martin Nixon of Tupelo, MS and Tonya Nixon of Rochester, NY, Elisher Wilson of Phoenix, AZ, Patricia (Theodore) Brown of Hartford, CT, Leofice (John) Williams of Orangeburg, SC, Carolyn Mack of Norwalk, CT; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, god-children, relatives, friends and church family.

Mrs. Jefferson passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at her residence.

Public viewing will be held Friday, July 18, 2025, from 12pm-6pm.

Family and friends may visit 247 Silas Lane, Santee or call Simmons Funeral Home of Santee.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com

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