Deloice Alexander Dixon was born July 28, 1936, in Milan, Tennessee to Willie Mae Dixon. At the age of three, her mother succumbed to tuberculosis, and Deloice was raised by her maternal grandparents, Andrew and Ella Mae Dixon in Rome, New York. She was an only child. She attended and graduated from Rome Free Academy High School where she was affectionately known as "Dee" by her classmates.

In 1955, she married Rufus Jefferson, Jr., an Air Force service member. They were married for 52 years until his passing in 2007. While living in Rome, Deloice and Rufus became parents to three sons, Dennis Keith, Craig Douglas, and Glenn Elliot. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri, they had two daughters, Lori Ann and Tracey Lynn.

Deloice was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She was active in the PTA and Girl Scouts when her daughters were young, and would often babysit for her neighbors.

After her children were grown, she pursued volunteer work at Truman Medical Center, working in the hospital gift shop for 10 years. In 2001, she was awarded volunteer of the year by the Kansas City Women's Auxiliary.

Deloice enjoyed spending time with her family, going on trips, listening to gospel music, watching TV westerns, growing houseplants, and collecting figurines of angels and elephants. Anyone who struck up a conversation with her was sure to get a dose of her motherly advice and witty sense of humor.

Her relationship with God was a very important part of her life. She was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, for over 50 years.

Deloice passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2022.

She is survived by: her five children, Dennis, Craig, Glenn, Lori, and Tracey; nine grandchildren, Keith, Christine, Andrea, Ronica, Alex, Grace, Grant, Faith, and Ella; six great-grandchildren, Ada, Gage, Dahlia, Devion, Isaiah, and Serenity and family members in her hometown of Rome.

Graveside Services for Mrs. Jefferson will be held 12:30 P. M. Thursday, May 19, 2022,  Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Thoughtful care and services handled by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.