The Life & Times of Lois Birtzell Jefferson Block

This Is My Story

Life's journey for Lois Birtzell Jefferson began in Hempstead County, AR May 29, 1929, when she became the daughter of Sammie and Allie Mae Williams Jefferson.  At the age of twelve, her father passed away and her mother married Frank Cheatham and he became, Papa Frank.

"Life is a journey, not a destination"

Lois received her religious and educational foundation in Hot Springs, AR. In her early years, she was baptized and was a member of Union Baptist Church.  She attended the Historic Langston Jr./Sr. High School. She later moved to Texarkana, AR in the late 1940s and was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.  She furthered her education and had a successful career in the medical field.  She received certification as a Medical Radiologic Technologist. She completed the course of instruction in Urinalysis, Thyroid Profiling, and Nursing. Lois worked as a Nurse, Laboratory and X-Ray Technician for the late, Dr. William B. Harrell at the Medical Arts Clinic, Texarkana, TX for over forty years.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Proverbs 31: 10-11

Lois met the love of her life and on February 16, 1951, Lois and Bennie became one, their lives would never be the same. They enjoyed the fruits of their labor enduring the growing pains of a healthy marriage. They enjoyed 65 years of blissful marriage On February 13, 2016, before a room full of well-wishers they celebrated with a dinner and fellowship.  They agreed that this would be their last big celebration. On December 29, 2016, "Block", as she called Bennie made his earthly transition.  Although she was heart-broken she knew it was not her time to give up.  She continued to press her way through.

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31: 30

Lois was a member of Canaan Baptist Church for over sixty years.  She exhibited her faith by serving as a Deaconess, Missionary, Sunday School, Choir, BTU, Youth Director, Culinary Hospitality, Bible Study and a faithful supporter.

"Take time from your busy schedule to appreciate the beauty of life"

Lois was one that loved and cared for her family.  Sunday dinners were a must in the Block's home.  Proverbs 31: 15a states, "She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family." They would cook on Saturdays to ensure that dinner was ready after church.  She was known for her love of cooking, and everything she cooked was her specialty.  There would always be enough food for the neighborhood, but a couple of rules would apply, wash your hands, take all you want but eat all you take (even the fat meat).  She was known as a world traveler.  She loved traveling with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Some of her special trips were taken with her sisters-in-love with Shirley and Jerry as the chaperone and driver.  Fishing was a favorite pastime of Bennie and Lois until she started out fishing him. Lois was a member of the Progressive Women's Social Club.  She and her husband loved attending dances and social outings in their younger years.

"She is clothed in fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31: 22b

Shopping and dressing to impress (her-self) were another favorite pastime of Lois. She will always be remembered for her stylish way of dressing, especially on Sunday's with her suit, hat, shoes, and purse to match. She still enjoyed looking for a good clearance rack.

"What's In A Name"

Lois was known to her parents as my daughter or Birt, to her husband she was Honey or Butzell, to her children she was mama, to her grandchildren she was Dear or Dear-Dear, to brothers and sisters-in-love, she was Lois or Birtzell, to her nephews and nieces she was, auntie, sweethang or Aunt Versale (cause we really didn't know it was Birtzell), and others called her Mrs. Block.  The one name that sums up her life would be, Servant.  She was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever her service was required.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." Hebrews 11: 12

Those completing the journey of life before her include her aforementioned parents; her husband;  brother, Henry Jefferson; two sons, Leroy "Sonny" Block (Dec. 10, 2009) and Larry "Bubba" Block, Sr. (Feb 12, 2019) ; her in-laws, Conway and Valree Cooper Block, Sr. as well as a host of brothers and sisters-in-law that she loved as her brothers and sisters.

"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.  I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done." Helen L. Marshall

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Lois heard the voice of God and answered the call and peacefully fell asleep in death. Happy memories and smiles will be shared and will forever linger in the heart of her daughters, Linda (Rev. Freddie) Smith, Shirley (Jerry) Griffin; her daughters-in-love, Gwendolyn Block, and Dr. Harriette Howard-Block; sister-in-love, Irene Block-Walker; granddaughters, Kenyetta Block, Kaleybra Block, Andrea Smith, Lois Marie Block, Landa Block, Kamryn Griffin, Dr. Leonette (Delonte', Sr.) Copeland; grandsons, Rev. Fredrick (Dr. Cemeka Agugbuem) Smith, Damon Block, and Larry Block, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Jada and Jaylen Allen, Adrian Smith, Jordyn and Larryn Block, Benjamin, Braxton, and Michael Smith, Skylar Block, Loreli Block, Delonte' and Malik Copeland; special first cousins, Evelyn Rogers and Sundra Hamilton; one paternal niece, Judge Latricia (Rev. David) Webb; a host of other loving nieces and nephews; her godchildren, GiGi Raibon, Dr. Jeff Mosley, Byron Hall, Nikki Stinette, Tearia Germany, and Claretta Scott and extended family and friends.

"Lois' Testimony"

Lois's testimony was, "If It Had Not Been for the Lord on my Side"

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at Canaan Baptist Church 1002 Laurel Street, Texarkana, AR.  Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 – 6:30 PM in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, memorials are requested to the church in her memory or to the National Kidney Foundation, (855) 653-2273.  If you choose to send flowers please deliver to the church on Tuesday. The guest registry is at http://carriganmemorial.com . Arrangements are entrusted to her nephew and family, Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services, 336 East Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.