Paula Jane (Cook) Jefferson

Paula Jane Jefferson, 51 of Brooklyn, passed away Thursday, March 13th at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. She was born on June 30, 1973 in Mobile, AL, the daughter of the late Paul Cook and Sylvia Jane (Copeland) Biggs. Paula grew up between Mobile and McGee and enjoyed the outdoors where riding horses was among her favorite things. Losing her dad in 1989 was a huge moment in her life as a teenager. Her stepdad Jerry ran a shrimp boat, and Paula and her brother played on it quite a bit. She also loved music, playing in the marching band while in school. Paula graduated from Magee High School, a member of the Trojan Class of 1991. From there, it was on to Co-Lin Community College where she studied business and earned her Associates degree. In her professional life, Paula has worked for a law firm, at Camp Shelby in the Armed Forces Museum, and managed the Shrimp Basket in Hattiesburg for a while. After losing her daughter Elizabeth in a vehicle accident in 2019, Paula spent most of her time taking care of her husband, her home, and her animals. In what little spare time she had, she loved being outdoors enjoying nature, going camping, and just enjoying life. When the weather didn't cooperate for outdoor things, she had her share of games on her phone, just to keep her occupied. Paula will be forever remembered as a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother who will be sadly missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her parents, father Paul Cook, Sr., her mother, Sylvia Biggs, and her precious daughter, Elizabeth Jefferson. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband over the past 10 years, J. D. Jefferson; one son, Austin (Caitlyn) Craft of Purvis, with two daughters: Samantha Craft of Purvis and Micayla (Cody) Davis of Maxie; her siblings: brothers Bobby Cook, Jerry (Eva) Biggs, Robert (Analyn) Biggs, Robert Cook, and Dusty (Donna) Rice, with her sister, Angelicue Shepherd. Paula leaves a legacy of six grandchildren: Elijah, Aubrey, and River Craft, Roland and Josephine Walters, and Amber Hollingsworth, along with numerous extended family and friends. Services will be held Monday, March 17th at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a chapel service at 2:00. Paula's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family asks that you consider making a donation to offset funeral expenses. No donation is too small, and all will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online by clicking the "Donations" tab above, or by calling the funeral home directly. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Jefferson family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.