Dorothy Irene Jeffery

Loving and devoted mother, grandmother and spouse, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021. She was 87. Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. She was born Nov 27, 1933 in Washington, DC.

The Jefferys were long-time residents of Norman, OK and moved to Madison, AL in 2000. Dottie was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, AL and McFarlin Memorial Methodist Church in Norman, OK prior to that. She loved participating in bible studies at church, and was a student of the Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She and Jean worked many years running the story room at several Vacation Bible Schools.

She was a founding partner of the food bank at McFarlin Methodist in Norman, OK. This food pantry has grown and become a very important part of the Norman community. She and Bob also helped to create Norman Mission Ministries, an early social work system that collected contributions from several churches and then helped people in need to pay their bills.

She worked as a cashier, bookkeeper, secretary, and many years as a realtor. She volunteered for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program that helped children navigate the family court system in Norman, OK. She made a huge difference for so many children and their families. She truly was the voice of children in the court system.

She is survived by Robert, her spouse of 62 years, daughter Jean Bateman, her husband Monte and their children James and John; daughter Joan Hengst, her husband Randy Hengst and their children Jeff, Jasen, and Kendall; and son Rob Jeffery, his wife Shann Jeffery, and their children Anna and Ian; and grandson Joshua Jeffery.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Karen Hines, her brother Theodore May, her sister June May, and her parents Charles May and Helen (Yeatman) May.

The love and joy within her spirit shone upon the world, with the capacity to affect the many people she touched in endearing and intangible ways, leaving an impression that will ripple everlasting through us all. Modeling the actions she compelled us to employ: Speaking for those forgotten, providing a helping hand to those in need, never being shy of imparting a good deed, shining the light that needs no words. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, family & friends will endure through everyone she connected with. Her legacy.

Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.

We miss you, mom!