Leila Tarji Jefferson

Leila Tarji Jefferson entered into a peaceful eternal rest on June 9, 2024 at the age of 60, after a battle with Glioblastoma. She was a native of New Orleans. Leila was a product of New Orleans Public Schools, graduating from Alfred Lawless Elementary School, Joseph S. Kohn Junior High School, and Francis T. Nicholls Senior High School. She attended the University of New Orleans, and graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing, receiving a Diploma in Nursing. She further studied at Southern University in New Orleans and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Leila also received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Diploma in paralegal studies from Herzing College. She received induction as a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, and Abeneefoo Kuo African American Honor Society. Leila was a dedicated and passionate worker, a Registered Nurse with 36 years of service most recently at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, with previous service in the Pediatric Emergency Room at Charity Hospital, having also served at University Hospital, and also serving as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Delgado-Charity School of Nursing, and as Nurse Faculty at El Centro College in Dallas post-Katrina. Leila had the pleasure of working with thousands of children and students over the years. She wanted her legacy to be to give great compassion and concern when providing care and helping others. Leila said “Nursing was her passion and believed it was her ministry that was given to her by God. She believed good nursing care is the standard, but excellence is what you should aim to deliver. Leila also said, You should love what you do and give the best of yourself every single time.” Leila worked in her community. She was a Ceritified Passenger Safety Technician, participating in car seat safety events across the state of Louisiana. She was a huge supporter of her New Orleans East Community, participating with the Wimbledon Civic Association, serving as the Secretary for many years. Leila said “every neighborhood should be safe. She believed No Vote, No Voice, believing that the act of voting was the only way to ensure that one could have a voice in their community. Leila’s favorite scriptures were Philippians 4:13, and Matthew 19:26, with her favorite songs being His Eyes are on the Sparrow and Walkin the Light. Leila’s testimony was “God is Good All The Time, and All The Time, God is Good, I could not thank God for all he has done for me, just try to love each other as best you can.” Leila was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Dr. Leroy Cleveland Jefferson, Sr., mother Ethel R. Jefferson, sister Lesa Hope Jefferson, Grandparents Rev. Dr. Ford R. Ratcliff, Sr., Mrs. Margie Murray Ratcliff, and Edna Hunter Bradford, and beloved Aunts and Uncles. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Dr. Lenetra L. Jefferson (New Orleans), aunt: Thelma Ratcliff Robinson (Gretna), step siblings: Leroy C. Jefferson, Jr. (Audrey), Gwendolyn Howard, and Lerece Jefferson, and nephew dog Drew Marques Jefferson. She is also survived by a host of cousins, other extended family, former students, former co-workers, and special nursing friends, Glenda Marie Veal, Thais Sigur, Marie Confident- Excellent, and Erica Timmons. Relatives and friends of the Family, Pastor, Officers, and Members of Greater Grace Fellowship, First Corinthian Baptist Church, Petty Memorial A.M.E. Zion, employees of Children’s Hospital, LCMC Health, Troy University, and Baptist Community Health Services are invited to give remembrances and condolences in the online guestbook at www.rhodesfuneral.com. There will be no service. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes and contributions are made to the Leila Tarji Jefferson Back to School Scholarship Fund at Greater Grace Fellowship 5431 Crowder, Blvd. The family would like to give special thanks to beloved cousins and caregivers Orrin Ryan Henry and Rev. Perrin Abraham Gaines, Dr. Cinnamon Tucker, APRN, University Medical Center Palliative Care, University Medical Center Oncology Clinic, Nurses, Physicians, Radiation Technicians and staff, and Passages Hospice. Leila will be greatly missed by all who knew and cherished her, her memory will continue to live in everyone’s heart, and she will not be forgotten. There will not be a service per Leila’s wishes.