Mr. Limas Jefferson

For livestream access to his service: https://wheelerbc.org/live-streaming LIMAS JEFFERSON was born on March 21, 1942, in Mansfield, Louisiana to Sam and Allie Bea Jefferson. He attended elementary and secondary schools in the Vernon Parish of Leesville, Louisiana. As a third grader, he met Louise Williams who was a second grader, and they married on January 21, 1960. Limas was involved in Boy Scouts, became an Eagle Scout and played football. He graduated as valedictorian from Mount Vernon High School; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Limas Jefferson began his professional career as a Systems Engineer with NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in 1964. He joined TRW Systems Group, a NASA Contractor in 1966 in Houston, Texas. From 1970-1975, he served with the City of Houston as Deputy Director, and manager in charge of Management Information Systems (MIS). Limas used his innate entrepreneurial drive to form several business ventures. He developed business enterprises including Limas Construction Company, The Spearhead Group, J.D. Building and Maintenance Company, and Jefferson Associates Inc. In 1989, Limas founded, with the support of two community-based churches, Unity National Bank, the only African American bank during that time in the State of Texas where he served as chairman for 15 years. Limas has been recognized on numerous occasions for his achievements. He was appointed to serve on the Governing Board, Texas Department of Economic Development and as Chairman of the Small Business Committee for the State of Texas. In recognition of his leadership and strategy skills, Limas was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve as a Vice Chair for the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations. He also served on the Minority Enterprise Advisory Council at the Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. and was elected to the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council for five years. His civic involvement in Houston includes tenures as Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Houston Area Urban League. He was a lifetime member and beloved brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity – Nu Boulè Chapter. Limas was widely-known for his positive and humble nature, giving advice, and his love and talent for telling and retelling the family lineage. He enjoyed exploring new entrepreneurial endeavors, politics and reading. He had a great affinity for travel, hunting, classic westerns, and sporting his Kangol hats. A little-known fact was that he loved Bruce Springsteen’s music, so much so, that on a family road trip the family had to listen to him play his music for hours. The experiences of advocacy extended beyond his family, reinforced Limas’ lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for all who strove to serve and improve their local community and circumstances. Limas lived a full life and made his transition on Friday, September 23, 2022 surrounded by love, warmth, and family after his courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 62 years, Louise of Seabrook, Texas. Their union bought them twin daughters, Janis Benton (Levi J.) and Janet Mathews; sons, Cedric D. and Marcus L. (Jateri); daughter, Jennifer Pharms; and his adored granddaughters, Kayla, Kiara, and Khloe Thomas and Serene Jefferson. Likewise cherishing his memory are: his sisters, Pearl Jefferson Burnett and LaRenza Jefferson; his brother, Thomas Jefferson; and a host of friends, family, and loved ones. Limas was preceded in death and joined the ancestral ranks with his parents; mother-in-law, Velma Smith; father-in-law, Charles William; sons-in-law, Carlton Mathews and K.P. Pharms; brothers, Lafayette, Louis, Amos “Hat”, Harold, and James Jefferson; sisters, LueVenia Jefferson Jenkins, Annie Jefferson Wilson, Exie Burks, and Ruth Ella Jefferson; sisters-in-law, Queenetta Harris Jefferson, Gwendolyn, and Mercie Jefferson; grandson, Jayden Charles Pharms; and sister-niece, Patricia Ann Wilson Jones. Limas leaves a lasting legacy of promoting social justice, human rights, and economic development. He was a man of action, mentored many who started their successful business ventures, and freely gave advice to those willing to listen. He was a man of soaring intelligence and vision. He was a trailblazer and stayed true to his convictions and the ideals he lived by and believed. When it came to the pursuit of his dreams, not just for himself but for others, there was nothing that could hold Limas Jefferson back. He will be deeply missed. Homegoing Celebration: Friday, September 30, 2022 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave, Houston, TX 77004. Visitation from 9:30am -11:00am. Funeral service at 11:00am. Interment: Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 on Saturday, October 1, 2022, 3:30pm.

Mr. Limas Jefferson

March 21, 1942 - September 23, 2022