Tributes

Roosevelt Efferson, III fondly known as “Tutu” was born on January 3, 1986 to Roosevelt Jr. and Anita McCall Efferson in Shreveport Louisiana, beginning a life filled with promise. Tutu graduated from Clear Creek High School in 2006 marked the culmination of his journey as a Wildcat, where he excelled in Special Olympics running track and basketball inspiring others with his determination. He then attended A Day Hab, Quality of Care, Waymaker and God led him to TAJ where he flourished. Each day program gained him a lifetime of friends and family, a testament to his heartwarming personality and spirit. His Christian journey began with baptism at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church by Bishop Rasby Mason and rebaptism at Majestic Christian Center by Bishop Harold Gentry. Both times he used his favorite words to say “Amen”. Tutu ended his journey as a member of Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church in Hitchcock under the leadership of Dr. William L. Randall, Jr. He faithfully attended worship service with his family and knew how to glorify the Lord. His genuine acts of praising God inspired others to worship. Tutu was the life of the party. He was the connector that brought everyone together. Tutu has never met a stranger, you were instantly his buddy, his boy or his wife or you became instant family. Tutu enjoyed many things including all sports, movies including “The Color Purple” (Harpo) and “Friday”, music, dancing, partied and most of all his family. Tutu transitioned into heaven on November 19, 2024 at home with his loved ones beside him and was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was also welcomed by his grandmother, Gertrude Howsley; uncle, Joseph McCall; Papa, Esaa Turner; uncle, Jock “Jay” Efferson; uncles, Bishop Carey McCall, Michael Wayne Wheeler and Gregory Shackelford; nephew, Mession Hanna; and niece, Cheyanna Metoyer. Tutu is now looking down on many loved ones as a guardian Angel and will forever live in the hearts of his father and mother, Roosevelt Jr. and Anita Efferson; sisters, Erika Efferson and Jennifer Hatten (Dominique); nephews, Isaiah Thomas and Ivan Thomas; niece, Maya Hanna; godmother, Dr. Mia Singleton (Zefhery); grandmother, Marie Moran; grandfather, Marvin Shackelford; godgiven-grandmother, Beverly Ferguson; along with a host of loving aunts and uncles, cousins and friends (he had his favorites) and if you really knew him, with a jovial spirit, he also left many wives and three children. LOL Tutu’s last words after arriving home with his family were, “Thank you Lord Jesus!” After saying that, he never said anything else. His life is a true testament to the scripture, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” He will forever remain in our hearts.

Tributes

Roosevelt "TuTu" Efferson III

January 3, 1986 - November 19, 2024