Etha Lean Jefferson was born on December 31, 1943 in Baskin-Rural, Franklin Parish, Louisiana to James and Viola Jefferson.  She was the third of thirteen children.

Etha graduated from Eula D. Britton in 1962 in Rayville, Louisiana.  From there she attended Grambling State University in Ruskin, Louisiana.  She also attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in 1978.

She worked for Texas Department of Health and Human Services for 20 plus years as a Tech and Caseworker.  She retired in 2002.

On February 25, 2020, Etha was called home to join her husband, James Launce White, Sr., her father and mother, brother James Edward Jefferson, Jr., sister Virgie Mae Hartwell, and great nephew Michael Fredrick Allen Hartwell.

She leaves to cherish her memories: 2 sons, James Launce White, Jr., and Tony Pernell Jefferson; daughter Jameka Michele White; 4 grandsons, Timothy White, Leslie Leon King, Jr., Unteo Deleon Shropshire, and Logan James Houston; 5 sisters, Christine Wilson, Ida Marie O'Bryant, Elizabeth Hill, Estella Hunter, and Ruthie Alexander; 3 brothers, Thomas Jefferson, Willie Jefferson, and Danny Jefferson; a host or nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020.  Viewing starting at 10 am followed by 11 am funeral service, at Duncan Mortuary Chapel, 5806 N. Wayside Dr., Houston, Texas 77028.

Interment - Private.