She heard a voice we could not hear, that said you cannot stay. She saw a hand we could not see that beckoned her away. And in response to the Master's call, Omega Blondie Theirse Jefferson, daughter of the late Lydia and Samuel Theirse, Sr., departed this life on November 12, 2008. Omega began her pursuit of educational excellence in the public schools of Berkeley County, matriculating to Friendship Junior College where she earned an Associate degree in Elementary Education before graduating from Morris College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She did further studies at South Carolina State University (SCSU), New York University (NYU), The Citadel, and the University of Indiana. She was the recipient of many outstanding awards and a member of several religious, civic, and professional organizations. Omega was a dedicated Christian, and at a very young age, became a member of Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church, Pineville, SC. She left the state of South Carolina after completing her college work, and moved to New York City. While there, she became a baptized member of Union Baptist Church, New York City, NY, where she faithfully served in the Sunday School and the Gospel Choir. In March of 1943, God ordained the marriage between Omega and the late Honorable Rev. Dr. Joseph Herman Jefferson, Sr., blessing their union with five loving and devoted children. Reverend Dr. Jefferson, daughter, AnSonja J. Turner, and grandson Vincent Donald Turner, II, preceded Omega in death. Returning home, Omega became a member of Day Dawn Baptist Church by letter and Christian experience. Her Christian experience began in the Sunday School and Baptist Young People's Union. She faithfully served her church family as President of the Usher Board; Member of the Junior Choir; Junior Missionary Society (Secretary for 12 years) and as a member of the Senior Missionary Society. She also served as a member of the Pulpit Aide, Sunday School Teacher, Adult Choir, Youth Crusaders' advisor; and was responsible for communion preparations for many years. Omega organized the Day Dawn Baptist Church Vacation Bible School, the church's summer lunch program, and was nominated and elected as President of the Antioch Baptist Ministers' Wives' Auxiliary - the position she dutifully administered until her health failed. Omega was also an active deaconess and organized the first Women's Day program as well as the "Queen-for-a-Year" program at Day Dawn. During the years of 1977-1984, Omega affiliated with Central Baptist Church in Charleston, SC, where her husband served as Pastor. She served as an active Sunday School member and President of the Pulpit Aide Club from 1981-1984. She leaves under our Lord and Savior's Care: Children: Dr. Yvonne (Jerome) Barnes, of Pineville, South Carolina; The Honorable Joseph (Deloris) Jefferson, Jr., of Pineville, South Carolina; Barbara (Watson Tindal) Ragin, of Tampa, Florida, and Jessica (Cleve) Hawkins of St. Stephen, South Carolina. One son-in-law: The Honorable Vincent D. Turner I, Esquire, of Las Vegas, Nevada; one stepbrother, Roosevelt (Julia Ann) Jenkins, of Pineville, South Carolina, an adopted daughter, Jessie Mae (Isiah) Blanding, of Pineville, South Carolina, and an adopted son, Reverend Smart (Mozella) Smalls of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Three sisters-in law, Mrs. Dolly B. Theirse and Mrs. Albertha Theirse of Pineville, South Carolina, and Mrs. Viola Middleton of Bronx, New York. And one brother-in-law, Nolan (Wilhelmenia) Johnson, of Holly Hill, South Carolina. This doting grandmother leaves twelve grandchildren: Andrea D. Turner, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Tonya H. Praileau of Charlotte, North Carolina; Trena (Ricky) Mack, of Clinton, Maryland; Cindy N. Ragin, of Clinton, Maryland; Chanda (Andrew) Kelly of Columbia, South Carolina; Marva (Ty) Patterson, of Columbia, South Carolina; John (Nina) Hawkins, of Irmo, South Carolina; Dr. Stephanie Ragin-Prophete (Kevin), of Miami Gardens, Florida; Chadwick B. Hawkins of Darlington, South Carolina; Keicha O. Barnes, of Columbia, South Carolina; Joseph H. Jefferson, III, of North Charleston, South Carolina, and Jemore' K. Barnes, of Columbia, South Carolina. She also leaves sixteen great-grandchildren; two godchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and three devoted caregivers: Cynthia Hartwell, of St. Stephen, South Carolina, Mary Green, and Rachel Brown of Pineville, South Carolina. Our mother has gone home to sweet rest and those left behind will miss her in the absence of her strong, loving, giving and unyielding Christian presence.