Dora Mary Ellen Jefferson Todd

Dora Mary Ellen Jefferson Todd was born on August 18, 1924 to the union of Thomas and Jennnie Eason Jefferson in the Mt. Morriah Community of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Being born into a large family of 15 siblings she learned the value of family and sticking together. Dora grew up to be a beautiful and charming young lady. She met Eddie Todd, Jr., and their courtship led to marriage and 9 children. She loved her husband and was a devoted mother. Her children were such an important part of her life and they brought her so much joy. She played an important role in encouraging them in reaching their goals and objectives. Two of her sons, Charles and Carl passed. Though heartbroken, she relied on Jehovah to sustain her as she committed to never forget their memory. Dora was an impeccable housekeeper and worked countless days and hours cleaning private homes in Arkadelphia; by every account she was business woman and entrepreneur. In raising nine little ones cooking came natural, as well as, babysitting. She was a soul food “boiling pots” cooking type of woman. She was a gifted "green thumb" and could grow anything. She used gardening and planting flowers as a time to reflect and talk to Jehovah. Her neatly kept colorful flowerbeds added a nice touch to the neighborhood and community. Dora loved her family and her home was the center for get-togethers, fish-fries, hang outs and barbecue’s. Having been the last survivor of the Jefferson children, her home was treasure chest full of old photos, family heirlooms, “what nots”, but most of all it was the place to learn of the family history. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. Because of her strong will and sharp mind she stayed in her home until her passing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Eddie Todd, Jr. (March 28, 1991); two sons, Charles “D. J. Magic” Todd (August 25, 1992) and Carl “Punk” Todd (December 17, 2002). Though she is no longer with us in body; her irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her children: Callie Griffith of Arkadelphia, Eddie (Linda) Todd of Little Rock, AR; Marshall (Randy) Quarles of Dalark, AR, Levon (Tammy) Todd of Rockford, IL, Clayton Todd of Little Rock, AR, Lisa Todd of Arkadelphia, AR and Iya Todd of Atlanta, GA; 29 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces and nephews; a special nephew, Sampson Smith of Hot Springs, AR and a special niece Leatha Bryant of Hot springs, AR; other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness in Caddo Valley, Arkansas on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Bro. Mark Thoeny will officiate. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 12:00 noon-6:00pm. Join the family at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of tributes and music at the Community Family Enrichment Center.