Lisanne Michelle Jefferson

God in his infinite wisdom looked into His Yearbook of Life, and welcomes Lisanne Michelle Jefferson, devoted and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, God-mother, aunt, and friend.  She entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Lisanne, who was affectionately known as "Mommie”, “Ya-Ya”, “Lisa”, “God-Ma Lisa”, “Sister-Cousin”, “Aunt Lisanne”, “Cousin Lisa”, and “Sister-Friend", entered this life on December 2, 1961 in Harlem, NY.  Lisa was the only daughter of the late Thomasina Jefferson.  She was a graduate of the first senior class of Boys & Girls High School in Brooklyn, NY in 1979.  Lisa received her Associates Degree from Brooklyn College, her Bachelor of Science Degree from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and later went on to complete her Graduate Studies at Phoenix University, receiving her Masters Degree in Education. 

On February 12, 1984 Lisanne was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Journee Monique, the light of her life.  Together they traveled and participated in the Girls Scouts.

After beginning her teaching career at the Modern School of New York, Lisanne relocated to Virginia Beach where she continued teaching, first at Years to Remember and then continued her passion for education by teaching at Corporate Landing Elementary School, until her retirement in 2018.

For 25 years Lisanne spent countless hours in her classroom preparing lesson plans, being a resource for her fellow teachers, and most importantly a mentor and advocate for her students.  Lisanne’s passion for education, was clearly seen by all.  In 2005 & 2006 she was recognized and nominated for Virginia Beach Teacher of the Year.  Also, in 2006 Lisanne was Walmart’s Teacher of the Year!  In 2008 & 2009 she was the Reading Teacher of the Year.  She received many awards for her dedication and service and was truly loved and respected by students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

In her spare time, Lisanne worked 18+ years at Bath and Body Works, where her contagious smile and product knowledge welcomed you and made you a lifelong customer and friend.  Just when you think Lisanne’s schedule was full, she would enter into her creative side where she developed a new found love for scrapbooking.  Handmade cards, memory books, student projects, were among the many items created by Lisanne as she worked with her scrapbooking sister friends and their families.

As an active member of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Lisanne found comfort in the scriptures and lessons and continued further fellowship with her “Sister Chicks”.  Lisanne was an extraordinary woman who was deeply devoted to her students, friends and family, but most importantly her faith and relationship with God taught her to be the loving, strong, independent, woman we all knew as Lisa.  She will be remembered for her contagious smile, compassionate heart, sincere friendliness; and her willingness to go above and beyond to help anyone in need.

Lisa was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Janiah Alyce Edney, her mother, Thomasina Jefferson and grandmother, Alyce Taylor Jefferson. 

Lisa leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Journee Monique Edney, wife of Brandon Edney, her devoted and loving God-daughter, Lanice Baker, her precious grandson, Elijah Donovan Edney, two beautiful surrogate grand-daughters, Azaria and Aniya Baker, aunts, and a host of cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made for the walk for Team Lisanne/Purple Reign or donate a bookbag with school supplies to Corporate Landing Elementary School in Virginia Beach.