Ada Merle Jefcoat, 90, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Born on February 19, 1935, in Soso, Mississippi, Ada lived a full and cherished life.

Merle owned and ran Little Angels Daycare in the 1970's and 1980's and was known by "Mama Merle".

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Bruce Jefcoat, her son Bruce Jefcoat, her parents John Lewis Holloway and Thelma Hancock Holloway, her brothers Leo Holloway and Lewis Holloway and her sister Corine Blackledge.

Ada is survived by her loving daughter, Terese Johnson and her husband Mark. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Brian Johnson and his wife Michelle, and Dalton Jefcoat and his wife Emily. Ada was also a proud great-grandmother to Michael Johnson, Allie Johnson, Hunter Herrington and River Jefcoat, daughter-in-law, Rita Jefcoat, and she is remembered fondly by several step-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM at the same location, with Bro. Matt Olson officiating. Ada will be laid to rest at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will include Brian Johnson, Mark Johnson, Michael Johnson, Dalton Jefcoat, Hunter Herrington and Cory Starcher.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.