In as much as it has pleased Almighty God in his infinite wisdom to call from this earth Sister Leah Emeritus St Cynthia Mary Jefferson we write our appreciation of her.

She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on November 24 1941 to the Late Grand Trustee St Bernice Payne. She was an only child with a host of relatives she was raised with as siblings namely GSSS St Marilyn Dawson, Wendell Turner, Robert Strothers, David Strothers and Audrey Stanford, and others who have proceeded her in death. Also her Lifetime Best Friends, The Late United States Special Daughter St Sharlotte Alford, United States, Charitable Daughter Emeritus SE Hazel Ruth McQueen. Ms Ora Upsher and Carolyn Upsher.

She was educated in the Pittsburgh Public School system attending Fifth Ave Highschool. After attending Connelly Trade School where she earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Where she obtained a position at Shadyside Nursing and Rehab Center, where she worked for many years. She also worked for Urban League where she worked with Easter End Cooperative Ministry's food program, and Petra Church's Early Childhood Program.

After working for many years, she retired early due to medical reasons. Early retirement afforded her time to travel, her favorite past time. She could be seen traveling with her travel buddies, the late St Sharlotte Alford and Deacon Earl Pollard, or on bus trips with the late St Janet Simms. She served God and Church to the very end.

She was united in marriage December 28, 1965 to Reuben Jefferson. She departed this life on May 15, 2025 at East End Rehab Center.

She is preceded in death by her granddaughter: Darlene Payne.

She leaves to mourn her loss, seven children: Michael Payne of Pittsburgh, PA, Tamela Payne of Pittsburgh, PA, Reuben A, Jefferson of Cummings, GA, Bernice Mc Miller (Eugene) of Pittsburgh, PA, Brian Jefferson of Pittsburgh, PA, Kevin Jefferson (NaTasha) of Tenafly, NJ, and Cynthia Jefferson of Pittsburgh, PA; 8 grandchildren; 18 Grand kids; 2 great grandchildren; 2 Godchildren: Tenegia Stieff and Colton Ward; 9 Sister-in-laws; 8 brother-in-laws; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 27 4pm to 7pm at Church of God and Saints of Christ; Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at 10am at Church of God and Saints of Christ, 626  Lawson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Interment: The National Cemetery  of the Alleghenies

Funeral arrangements entrusted to West Funeral Home,  2215 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; tel: 412-471-2626