Elva Rene McBride-Jeffers

Elva René McBride was the fifth of twelve children to Addie and Walney McBride, Sr., born February 2, 1924, in La Ceiba, Honduras. From childhood, she felt close to God and accepted Him as her personal Savior. Her love for Jesus was nurtured by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit where she was directed to Exodus 20 and found the Ten Commandments. She was clearly made to understand that Saturday was the seventh day of the week, the Holy Sabbath Day of the Lord. Elva attended an evangelistic meeting held in a movie theater, which resulted in her joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church in her hometown of La Ceiba. She later introduced the rest of her family to the Advent message and they too became a part of the remnant church. At the age of 10 years old, she acquired many skills such as cooking, sewing, and playing the piano. As a skilled seamstress, she began using her talent to service many people in her family and community. From this skill, she put aside her earnings for her future children’s education and her journey to a new country. Her sister, Linnell McBride-Nelson, sponsored her move to the United States where she would soon begin a new chapter in her life. Elva met the love of her life, Alphaeus Jeffers, in the early 1950s. She arrived in the United States on a Wednesday and met Alphaeus on Friday at her sister Linnell’s home. Once they met, he swept her off her feet. Less than a year later, they were married and their marriage lasted 67 years! To this union, three children were born, Adela René, Norma Amanda, and Alphaeus Herbert, Jr., later joined by Tanisha Melton and the late Alphonso Fritz. She and Alpheaus were prominent members of the Independence Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church. Over the years, she served in various church ministries, which included disbursing food at the IBC Food Pantry, Church Community Service, and Bible study alongside her brother, Walney McBride. Elva was instrumental in using her musical gift of piano playing for Sabbath School. God truly blessed her musical skills as many church members would attend Sabbath School just to hear her play. Every Sabbath morning, she and her husband Alpheaus opened the doors of the church to begin the early morning prayer Sabbath services. Her dedicated service reflected an authentic humanitarian spirit. Elva was an avid reader and an advocate for higher education. She obtained her nursing certification from Crane Junior College and worked at Bethany Hospital for several years. Her passion for learning inspired her to help sponsor the education of students from Broadview Academy and Andrew University. She instilled those same attributes in her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to achieve excellence. With the loss of her husband on January 23, 2020, Elva continued the race until her final rest on May 26, 2023. Elva passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family. She is continuing to sleep in Jesus, awaiting the sound of the last trump, when she will be resurrected with her husband, Alpheaus, and other family members and friends to live eternally with Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Addie and Walney McBride, Sr.; brothers, Ramond and Walney McBride; sisters, Oma, Linnell, and Gloria; and her beloved husband of 67 years, Alpheaus Jeffers, Sr. Elva leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children, Adela (James) Cox of Dallas, TX, Norma Varkony of Glencoe, IL, and Alphaeus Jeffers, Jr., and Tanisha Melton, both of Glenwood, IL; grandchildren, Latisha Jeffers, Karin (Kelvin) Cox-Lindsey, Krystal Cox, Siobhan Jeffers, Julian Wright, and Dr. James Cox III; great-grandchildren, Khash and Khace Lindsey; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Elva René Jeffers will be missed, but not without hope. She fought a good fight. She finished the course. She kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give her on that day

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