Dr. Celestine AkerDr. Celestine Aker
1946 – 2015

Ridgeland

Dr. Celestine Lenora Jefferson- Aker, 69, of Ridgeland, MS died peacefully Sunday, November 22, 2015 at her home with loving husband, Winfred G. Aker by her side.

She was born on August 31, 1946 to Andrew and Lenora Russell in Lawton, Oklahoma. Celestine received her formal education through the OK, KY, and MD School Systems as her father was an officer in the US Army. She excelled in her studies, graduating from Fredrick Douglas High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She began college studies through Morgan State University of Baltimore while still in high school.

Celestine was united in holy matrimony to Dr. Franklin David Jefferson in 1968 and they reared three daughters: Vernessa Shelton, of Chesapeake VA, Elizabeth Martin, of Triangle VA, and Dawatha Jefferson of Vicksburg MS, sadly losing her only son, Franklin “Little Frank” Jefferson, Jr., who passed as an infant.

Both Celestine and Franklin understood the value of education and made the decision to put each other through school. While raising their daughters, one would work while the other would attend school but they always kept the family together. They ensured the entire family always sat down together for meals, took family vacations, and prayed together. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Jackson State University, a Master’s degree from the University of Washington, and a PhD in Special Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. To keep up with his bride, Franklin earned a PhD in Social Studies and African Geography. As an educator, she taught at Jim Hill High School, Allen and Benedict College in Columbia South Carolina, and then they both taught a Jackson State University.

In 1994, Celestine became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully through the years in several positions at the branch, war, and state levels. She was a faithful member, teacher, Relief Society President, Family History Consultant, and Stake Employment Specialist.

On August 29, 1996, Dr. Franklin Jefferson, her husband of 28 years, died of heart complications.

In 2000, she got a second chance for love when she married her second husband, Winfred G. Aker. He was a great partner who enjoyed life as much as she did by traveling, working on genealogy and growing in the Faith.

She retired form Jackson State University in 2005 after serving as Chair of the Department of Special Education for 15 years.

Though having faced many prolonged illnesses in her later years, she kept her smiling personality until the end.

She is survived by her loving husband; and daughters; four sisters, Marsha Russell, Phyllis Crandwell, Connie Baker and Donna Shaw; two brothers, Andrew Russell and Richard Russell, six grandchildren: Lincoln Christopher Powell, III, Apiphany Katrina Powell-Walker, Ambro Malik Martin, Jr., Robert Franklin Martin, Camille Alexandria Shelton and Andrew Fredrick Martin; one great grandchild: Lincoln Isaiah Powell, IV; her only surviving aunt, Charlotte Felton (of six sibling) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 4, 2015 at Westhaven from 8:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m., family will be present from 5-7:00 p.m., and visitation again on Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 12:30 -1:45 p.m. Funeral services immediately following at 2:00. Interment in Jefferson Family Cemetery, 157 Jefferson Family Rd., Canton, MS.

– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?n=celestine-aker&pid=176761589&fhid=17542#sthash.65jVIgtn.dpuf

Memories & Condolences
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December 7, 2015
My deepest sympathy. May you find a consoling thought at Psalms 145:18,19. Gloria
Jackson, MS
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December 7, 2015
Dr Celestine L. Jefferson Aker was one of the best JSU Teacher’s in the department of Exceptional Education,she gave 100% of herself to the field of education and her students may God be with her family in all her beautiful memories she left with us and her exceptional personality, laughter, and smile. Sisterly love Fransenna Chambers Camper, her student!
Fransenna Chambers Camper, Jackson, MS
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December 7, 2015
Dr Celestine L. Jefferson Aker was one of the best JSU Teacher’s in the department of Exceptional Education,she gave 100% of herself to the field of education and her students may God be with her family in all her beautiful memories she left with us and her exceptional personality, laughter, and smile. Sisterly love Fransenna Chambers Camper, her student!
Fransenna Chambers Camper, Jackson, MS
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December 7, 2015
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your love one. May loving words comfort your family at this time of sorrow. Isaiah 57:15 and Luke 17:8.
M R, OH
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December 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.

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December 5, 2015
Aunt Steen….You’ve been on my mind this week and I guess it’s time I said goodbye. Being a part of my life will always be so….Our distance is what has kept me physically away from my family but thank God for spiritual closeness….You will always be remembered by me as one who inspired me educationally. Your
encouragement and example meant
a lot to me in the beginning of my adulthood and I will always be greatful. Go with GOD, Auntie….Enjoy Eternity…..LOVE Always,
Georgia Ward, Aurora, IL
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December 4, 2015
Praying for comfort and strength for the family. She kept me on my toes at JSU, she often told me I was a “special kind of special”. I asked too many questions in class. LOL

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December 4, 2015
May God bring peace to the family during this time of sorrow. Dr. Jefferson-Aker was a wonderful teacher. I learned so much from her.

Elizabeth Anne Martin

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December 4, 2015

Thank you for being the best mother a person could ask for. I will love and miss you forever.
Liz
LIGHT A
CANDLE
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December 4, 2015
To the Jefferson & Aker Families:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I have fond memories of Dr. Jefferson and Dr. Aker as they worked in the College of Education at Jackson State University. May the precious memories of your love one give you peace.
Patricia Strong, Jackson, MS
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December 4, 2015
May the God of all comfort prove to be a stronghold and a refuge for you (Psalm 18:2). I extend my deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Lillie, MS
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December 4, 2015
May you find comfort from God

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December 4, 2015
May your house find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised. With my deepest condolences for your loss.

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December 4, 2015
My sympathies Celeste was a very kind and loving person. May God continue to bless her family
John Welsch, Salt Lake City, UT
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Tommy and I met in 1985 at Western Kentucky University where I was attending school. Tommy was in the Army. We got married Aug 8, 1987 in Nashville Tennessee.

Kevin was born 24 March 1990 in Heidelberg Germany. Kalon was born 2 June 1992 at Ft Rucker, Alabama. Tommy retired from the Army as a Sergeant First Class in  2005 and is now working for the Army as a civilian in Logistics. I work for the Army as a civilian in Finance. Kevin is in graduate school at Cornell University studying Biomedical Engineering.

Kalon is in the Army, stationed at Ft. Polk and is married to Teresa with a 4 yr old named Jeramiah.

Levi Anderson 1902 – 1973

He was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Katie Mae Anderson [Jefferson], on April 19,1930.

Children▼

♀ Mary Perry [Anderson] 1925 –  of Chicago, Illinois ❏

♂ Charles Anderson 1927 – of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ❏

♀ Mildred Webster [Anderson] 1931 – lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ❏

♀  Katie  B. Pettis [Anderson] 1932 – from Harvey, Illinois ❏

♂ Levi Anderson Junior 1935 – Jackson, MS ❏

♀ Bettie Adean Taylor [Anderson] 1936 – from Los Angeles, California ❏

♀ Shirley Anderson [Chambers] 1938 – from Milwaukee, Wisconsin❏

Katie Mae Anderson [Jefferson] , was born to John and Lucindia Jefferson [Watson]  of Madison, Mississippi; on October 1,1907.

She attended Madison Rosenwald School in Madison, Mississippi.  She continued her studies at Alcorn University in Lorman, MS.   Katie taught grammar school for a number of years.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  She joined Mount Pleasant Missionary Church in Madison MS and was a faithful member of the church.

She was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Levi Anderson, Sr., on April 19,1930.

Children▼

♀ Mary Perry [Anderson] 1925 –  of Chicago, Illinois ❏

♂ Charles Anderson 1927 – of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ❏

♀ Mildred Webster [Anderson] 1931 – lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ❏

♀  Katie  B. Pettis [Anderson] 1932 – from Harvey, Illinois ❏

♂ Levi Anderson Junior 1935 – Jackson, MS ❏

♀ Bettie Adean Taylor [Anderson] 1936 – from Los Angeles, California ❏

♀ Shirley Anderson [Chambers] 1938 – from Milwaukee, Wisconsin❏

She was active in many Church and Masonic Orders or a god is astounded when they go to bed such as: Armentine Chapter 325 Orders of the Eastern Star, past M.A.M. of Heriones Of Jericho Precious Jewel Court 146, Calanthae Court of Madison, Bennett willing Workers Society, Mother Board, Class Member and Class II Sunday School Teacher of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church.  She was also very active in other societies and organizations.  A few years ago, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin;  and join Holy Temple Baptist Church. She continues her bible and Christian study, until her death.