Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Pastor Virginia Pryor Jefferson was born on April 22, 1947, in Minden, WV, to Rev. Thomas and Lorena Pryor.

The call of sharing God’s word came early. At 18, she won first place in the FBLA Public Speaking Contest at the West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery for a powerful address that marked the beginning of her public speaking ministry. She was married at 19 in 1966 to George Jefferson and the mother of two children, Rev. Curtis Jefferson and Minister Elicia Jefferson.

She stepped into leadership at Welcome Baptist Church in Beckley, where her father pastored, serving as choir director, Sunday school teacher, and filling any role that needed to be done. She carried that same spirit of service into her professional life. Pastor Jefferson worked for 17 years as Office Manager and Recreation Director for the City of Beckley, Board of Public Works. She was also an entrepreneur, owning two storefront beauty boutiques.

After early retirement, she continued to pour into her community. While working at Beckley Grace Book Store, she started a prayer meeting with co-workers that grew into a weekly Bible study lasting 28 years.

Called to use her voice for God, she embraced both media and music. She recorded two songs written by Judy Cullop, “You Have His Promise” and “Can’t You Feel It.” During her time in Atlanta, she hosted a segment on East Point’s local TV program Stand Up for Jesus alongside her son, Rev. Curtis Jefferson.

When she returned to Beckley to care for her mother, she continued sharing the Gospel through radio. She hosted programs on WJLS and later WWNR. Her radio ministry, Faith Builders Ministries Radio Program, became a beloved outreach and often featured her brother, Pastor David Pryor, her daughter, Minister Elicia Jefferson, and various community guests.

In 1997, she was ordained at Heart of God Ministries by Bishop Fred Simms, and in 2002 she became an Associate Pastor. Her mission was simple and steady: lead souls to Christ. She carried that mission far beyond the church, ministering in prisons, nursing homes, and hospitals for more than 20 years. In 2015, she founded Faith Builders Ministries Church, continuing her work with a heart for people and a love for God.

Pastor Jefferson also served the wider community. She was an active member of Beckley Area Women United in Christ, working as Executive Assistant to Pastor Sandra Jackson, Director, and supporting the weekly prayer line and yearly events. She also served on the Board of the Beckley Housing Authority.

Across more than three decades of ministry, she met every assignment with courage, compassion, and conviction.

Pastor Jefferson lived a life shaped by faith, service, and love. She believed that every person mattered and that every moment held a chance to lift someone’s spirit. Her voice carried hope. Her work carried purpose. Her legacy carries on in her family, her church, and the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev Thomas and Lorena Pryor; son, Rev Curtis Lee Jefferson; siblings, Evangelist Franzetta Woodson, Freddie Pryor, Charles Pryor, Glenn Pryor, and Tyrone Pryor; brother-in-law, Cecil Banks and sister-in-law, Henrietta Pryor.

Left to cherish precious memories are her children, Minster Elicia Denise Jefferson of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Chenelle (Mario) Thompson of Crestview, FL, Phillip Cox Jr. of Beckley, WV, Chaniece (Keith- fiance) Greaves of Atlanta, GA, Stephen Cox of Morgantown, WV and Miah Cox Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Aundreya, Armani, Micah, Adrienne, Malachi, Malayia, Xavier, Nouvel, and Phillip Cox III; siblings, Rev David (Kathy) Pryor of Peebles, OH, Doretha Banks of Lynchburg, VA, Dreama (Roy) Minor of Beckley, WV and Cynthia Haynes of Orlando, FL and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May her life remind us to speak boldly, serve gladly, and trust God fully. And may we honor her memory by continuing the work she lived for: building faith, lifting others, and letting our light shine wherever God places us.

Funeral service will be 2:00PM Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St., Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing mask and practicing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.