Amanda Lee (Charity) Jefferson, age 98, of Charles City, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on January 21, 2026.
She was the beloved last surviving child of Zachariah and Susie Mable Charity. Amanda was affectionately known as “Granny” or “Ponnie”—the latter a nickname from her teenage years, inspired by her fondness for sitting on her cousin’s Pontiac automobile.
Amanda attended Wayside Elementary School and Ruthville High School. She was baptized at Gilfield Baptist Church as a child and remained a devoted member, faithfully attending services each week until her health declined. Amanda’s youthful spirit shone through her love of music and dancing, especially big band tunes by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman. She cherished nature—gardening, fishing, and tending to her magnolia, apple, cherry, and crepe myrtle trees. Amanda was also a talented knitter, creating blankets, scarves, and headbands for family and friends. In her later years, she found joy in assembling puzzles with her great-granddaughter, “Moe” (Amaurie), completing many color by number, word finds, and dot to dot books.
Amanda’s love for her family was evident in her passion for cooking, baking, and canning. Her culinary talents brought loved ones together, especially during holidays and Sunday gatherings after church. Renowned for her cookies, Amanda was honored by her sister Joan’s children with the title “The Best Cookie Baker in the World”—a distinction she cherished deeply.
Amanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Sherman Jefferson, whom she missed very much; her parents, Zachariah and Susie Mable Charity; seven siblings, Lorenzo, Richetta, Lewis, Margie, Lucille, Geraldine, and Joan; and her granddaughter, Michelle Crewe.
Amanda’s legacy lives on through her five loving children: Shirley Crewe, Gilbert Smith, Rita Lynch (George), Elvira Jefferson Clegg, and Julie Jefferson (devoted); nine grandchildren, Dalton Crewe Jr., Kevin Crewe (Taletha), Gregory Johnson (Marie), Tonya Smith, Reginald Jones, Jr. (Francisca), Todd Smith (Tressy), Tracie Upshaw, Rendell Jones (Donna), and a devoted granddaughter, Shana Smith (Adrian); twenty great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren; her devoted granddaughter-in-love, Crystal Bullock; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Her unwavering faith, boundless love, and joyful spirit touched all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held 12noon Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Gilfield Baptist Church, 6640 Church Ln, Charles City, VA 23030. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services.
