Mother Daisy Ann Oliver

Remembering Mother Daisy Ann Oliver 

Daisy Ann Jefferson was born on March 31, 1943, in Yazoo City, Mississippi to the parents of James and Daisy Bell Jefferson. She was the third child of fourteen children born to this union. Daisy spent her early childhood years in Pickens and Lexington, MS prior to her family relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth in 1945. Daisy attended Bethlehem Baptist Church where she accepted Christ and was baptized.  

Daisy attended Julius C. Frazier Elementary School and James Madison High School in Dallas and later received her General Education Diploma (GED). She furthered her education by completing an associate degree from Dallas County Community College District (now Dallas College) and earned bachelor's degrees in Church Ministry and Stress and Trauma Care from Light University. Daisy also served as a Notary Public for the State of Texas. 

Daisy's work career began as a young teen at the Statler Hilton Hotel and accelerated to Collins Radio where she worked for several years until the company was bought by Rockwell International (later Texas Instruments). Other employment included Obadiah Knight Elementary School, In-look Outlet (Jerell, Inc), the City of Dallas Police Department, Barney and Friends Headquarters, and GEICO Insurance. Upon retiring from the workforce, Daisy began to devote herself to full-time ministry work. 

In 1971, Daisy she joined the Lighthouse Church of God in Christ under founder and pastor Edward E. Calloway. She served in various ministries including the Sanctuary choir, Vice-President of the Sewing circle, Usher board, Sunday School teacher, and Bible study instructor. While serving as President of the Young Women's Christian Council (YWCC), she influenced the lives of many women by modeling the attributes of Christ through her testimony, teaching, leadership, and godly wisdom.  

Daisy was united in marriage with Alester Oliver on December 11, 1976, enjoying 39 years together. The couple left Lighthouse Church to serve with Daisy's brother, Bishop Larry L. Jefferson at Faith Memorial Church for a few years before answering the call to pastor the Canaan Land Church of God in Christ, serving for 7 years. In 1996, Bishop Oliver and Mother Daisy joined New Hope Baptist Church, following the leadership of her eldest son, Pastor Reginald Jefferson. She remained a faithful servant at New Hope for 27 years. 

Mother Oliver was appointed as the "first" Church Mother of New Hope BC and established the Mother's Board. She served as overseer of the Women's Department and Deaconess. She directed the annual J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) Women's Mission Conference and coordinated Cancer awareness campaigns during October prior to delegating the task. As a church administrator, Mother Oliver implemented New Hope's Summer Camp for youth which included Vacation Bible School (VBS). She coordinated the "Feeding Angels" pantry program which serves Mesquite and neighboring cities, as well as the Summer Food Service Program for children. Mother Oliver's unwavering service set the bar high. She is revered and cherished by the many lives she impacted. 

Mother Daisy is preceded in death by husband (Bishop Alester Oliver), her son (Pastor Aaron Jefferson), her mother (Daisy Bell Jefferson), her father (James Jefferson); eldest sister (Virginia "Jenny" Gray), brothers (Walter, Melvin, Warren, and Anthony Jefferson). She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Reginald (Saundra) Jefferson, Mesquite, TX; Regina (Jason) Washington, Garland, TX; Alena (Jessie) Jefferson-Shelbia, Garland, TX; Sherry D. (Cedric) Hill, Garland, TX; Shawn Holmes, Houston, TX; Mia (Mark) Favors, Lancaster, TX. Siblings – Porter (Viola) Jefferson, Fort Washington, MD; Barbara (Ross) Thompson, Lancaster, TX; Larry (Rosetta) Jefferson), Lancaster, TX; Janet Levels, Dallas, TX; Carolyn Loud, Lancaster, TX; Charlie Jefferson, Dallas, TX; 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, New Hope Baptist Church Family and dear friends.