The sun rose in Wharton, Texas on March 10, 1935, bringing in a new day and a new life, Myrtle Marie Jefferson, born to Raymond Lloyd Jefferson Sr. and Ruth Nancy Tarver Jefferson.  The baby of the family of six (6) sisters and one (1) brother

Myrtle grew up in Wharton, Texas where she developed strong faith, compassion, and resilience that would define her life. Myrtle graduated high school in the Wharton Independent School District, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hard work and devotion to family.

She was first married to Aaron Bennie Jackson Sr., and from that union, a beloved son was born Aaron Bennie Jackson Jr. Myrtle and Aaron Jr, shared a lifelong, unshakable bond that remained close to her heart.

In 1959 she married Ellis Heath, the love of her life, with whom she shared 66 devoted years.  Together they built a warm, loving and faith-filled home.  They raised their daughter, Lisa Denise Heath, whom Myrtle loved, cherished and poured herself into every day.

Myrtle was a license cosmetologist, and a dedicated employee for Dobbs House, where she worked faithfully for 53 years.  Her work ethic, loyalty, and grace left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

But beyond her career, Myrtle was the heart of her family.  She was known for her wisdom, warmth, and tell-it-like-it-is attitude, she was a woman that could make you laugh, steer you right and feed both your soul and stomach from her ever-open kitchen.  Her home was a place of comfort, filled with stories, love, and lasting memories.

A faithful member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Asa Sampson, Myrtle remained devoted to her church community until her death.

Myrtle was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great- grandmother and friend.  She poured herself into raising not just her own children, but also her nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with strength, joy, and boundless love.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents:  Raymond Lloyd and Ruth Nancy Jefferson, daughter:  Lisa Denise Heath, sisters: Tommy lee Mason, Sophie Ann Steele, Ruby lee Battle, Gladys Crump, Willie Mae Jones, and Bessie Mae Wallace.  Brother: Raymond L. Jefferson Jr.

Myrtle is survived by her husband: Ellis Heath, her son: Aaron Bennie Jackson Jr. and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sister-In-laws and friends.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he