Beatrice Irene Jefferson, nee KNOTTS. affectionately known as "Mother," "Bea," "Ole Lady" and "Nana," was the eldest of eight children born to the late Irene and Edwar Knotts, Sr. Beatrice was born in Newport, Delaware on June 27, 1921 and went peaceful to her Heavenly reward on January 24, 2011 as her beloved children bade farewell at her bedside. Beatrice received hr early education at Absalom Jones and Howard High School in Delaware. She received her undergraduate degree from Morgan State College and additional studies at Coppin State College and Loyola College. While at Morgan State College, she jioned the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Beatrice accepted Christ at an early age at her home church, Simpson Medthodist Church in Delaware. After Bea moved to Baltimore, Maryland, she change her church membership to Union Memorial United Methodist Church. In January of 1943, Beatrice married the late Alex W. Jefferson, Sr. and had three sons, Alex Jr., the lat Dwight Sr. and Leland. Bea was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She became a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System for twenty-six years. Bea was a wondonderful teach in the classroom and assisted in the developing knowledge and excellence to her students. Beatrice leaves to cherish her memory; "Our Ole Lady;" sons, Alex Jr., "Junior" and wife Helen and Leland and wife, Nanette; "Our Nana;" grandchildren, Alex III "Moe" and wife , Patricia, Rochele, Jemal and wife Tina, Troy, Dwight Jr., Maurice and wife, Latricia, Donald and Kim; "Our Nana;" six great-grandsons and six great-granddaughters;, "Bea;" siblings, Alberta Torrence of Wilmington, Delaware, Regina Nix of Scoth Plains, New Jersey and Donald Knotts and wife, doris of Newark, Delawaware. There are also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will always remember aunt "Bea." Beatrice leaves behind a legacy of committment to family, lust for knowledge and a foundation for Chrisitan life as an example to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed in our homes, hearts and especially by the family.