Ilene Jefferson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lillie Ilene Jefferson, known affectionately as Ilene to her friends and family, lived a life that was a testament to the power of love, generosity, and selflessness. Born on July 6, 1953, in Bakersfield, California, to the late Raymond and Lillie (Owens) Brownfield. 

Ilene's journey through life was one marked by the joy she brought to others. She departed this world unexpectedly at her home in Joplin, Missouri, on January 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and an indelible impact on those who knew her.

Ilene's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of connection and service. She spent many years as a waitress, serving up not just meals but also warmth and smiles to countless individuals at local restaurants and truck stops across Missouri and Oklahoma. Her work was more than a job; it was an extension of her nurturing spirit, a chance to touch lives with her radiant presence.

Her involvement with the Southside Apostolic Church of Joplin was a reflection of her deep faith and commitment to her community. Ilene's faith was her guiding light, and she shone that light brightly, illuminating the path for others through her actions and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

Ilene's family was the core of her world. She was a beloved mother to Melissa Morris of Seneca, MO, Shannan Caligiuri and her spouse Terie of Jacksonville, FL, and Stanley Ball and his wife Andrea of Lebanon, TN. Her love multiplied through her grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Austin, Kristen, Jessica, Saria, and Arial, and further blossomed with the joy of five great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Phillis Brownfield, Theo Knight, Chris Brownfield, and Marvin Williams, shared in the tapestry of her life, each a vibrant hue in the colorful array of her experiences.

Other than her parents, Ilene is preceded in passing by a brother, Raymond Brownfield.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Ilene would say she embodied love in action. Her generosity knew no bounds; she gave not from her surplus but from her heart. Ilene's selflessness was her signature, a mark she left on the world that will long be remembered. She was the kind of person who made you believe in the goodness of humanity and the power of a single individual to make a difference.

There are no services planned at this time, cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.