Hattie Smith Jeff

Hattie Smith Jeff, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana passed away on September 24, 2019 in Pearland, Texas at the age of 91. She was born on March 4, 1928 to the late Henry Smith and Edna Alma Carter Smith. Hattie attended Johnson C. Lockett Elementary School and Gaudet Preparatory School. She graduated from Dillard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She taught first and fourth grades for Orleans Parish Schools for thirty-two years at Moton and Hardin Elementary Schools from which she retired in 1983. At Dillard, she became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 1952, she married Lee Jeff, Jr. and from that union she had two children: Lisa Gail Jeff James and Lee Marvin Jeff. Hattie and Lee lived in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina relocated them to Houston, TX in 2005 where they eventually settled. Hattie was a devout Christian attending St. Luke AME church since her baptism as a child. She served faithfully on the usher board and with the missionaries for 50 years in various leadership capacities. Once in Houston, she attended South Wesley AME church where she is currently a member. At a young age, Hattie learned to sew and developed into one of the most creative and sought-after seamstresses in the City of New Orleans. Her creativity continued and flourished throughout her lifetime and was evidenced in her sewing creations including formal gowns, dresses and suits, and draperies, pillows and accessories. She was also an excellent cook. Hattie was preceded in death by her father Henry Smith, mother Edna A. Carter Smith, sister Lavergne Smith Parker, and her husband Lee Jeff, Jr. and several beloved of the Jeff-Beloney family. She is survived by her brother Charles V. Smith (Joyce), daughter, Lisa Jeff James (Victor), son, Lee Marvin Jeff, granddaughter, Yvahn Christine Martin, grandson Ellis Lee Jeff (Ossenia), grandson Desmond Lee Jeff and extended Jeff, Smith and Barnes families including sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and countless friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at the St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 2500 Louisa St. New Orleans, LA 70117 on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am. Interment: St. Vincent De Paul Mausoleum, 1401 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA. Repass will be held at the church, 2500 Louisa St., immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Dementia Society of America and the American Stroke Association in Mrs. Jeff’s name.