Eda Agnes Jeffries was a “simple gal,” according to her son Gary. 

Raised in the Incarnate Orphanage in San Antonio, Texas, “she was not wealthy and she didn’t finish college,” he said. “But people recognized that she was genuine. And she had a unique quality in that she loved to collect friends. Folks gravitated to her.” 

More than 75 close friends and family gathered at the Buckner Children’s Home campus Feb. 3 to celebrate Eda’s life through a memorial luncheon and dedication of a new play system to Buckner Family Pathways in her honor. 

Pat and Carl McKee organized the celebration which was instructed by Pat’s mother Eda before she passed away in fall 2006. 

“Mother said she would like for us to do something for the Buckner kids,” Gary said. “She wanted a simple funeral … and no flowers.” In lieu of flowers, Eda requested that friends and family donate Target gift cards to the children and families served through Buckner. And dozens came in. 

“I received so many gift cards in the mail, and dozens more today in person,” said Jill Lewis, development officer for Buckner Foundation. “It’s amazing to see that Mrs. Jeffries is still giving even after she is gone. It’s such a wonderful tribute.” 

KaSandra Jones, director of the Family Pathways program, said that the donation of the play system “was truly a blessing to the moms and kids. They now have their own safe place to play which is visible from everywhere on campus. Hundreds of kids will play on this for many years to come.”

 But more important than any legacy was Eda’s lust for life, Gary said. 

“She lived a life that mattered.”