Edward Marcellious Jefferson was born to the late John Sr. and Rosetta Jefferson on August 14, 1933, in Norwalk, Connecticut. While still a child, Norfolk, Virginia, became his home. In his late teens, he entered the military, serving both the Army and the Marine Corps. After an honorable discharge, he began his supervisory career at the Naval Base. In the evenings and on weekends, he enjoyed his side profession as a barber. During his retirement years, he worked part-time at the Norfolk International Airport.
As a natural-born leader, “Jeff,” as he was called by some of his friends or “EJ” by others, participated in several activities. He served on the Joint Usher Board and also as a deacon at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. His personal charity was his delivery of food to the needy. Toastmasters public speaking classes were instrumental in adding to his leadership abilities. EJ was also an athlete. He did weight training in his garage, swam laps at pools, and hiked. Old Rag Mountain was a favorite place to go. He inspired church members to participate and got a group together on the church bus to come and hike with him.
Competitive racing was EJ’s passion. His biggest event was the New York Marathon. It was the running that he was especially known for. People all over Norfolk and Virginia Beach often saw him running along the busy streets. EJ also convinced and recruited some of his family and friends to begin the sport. His friend Doug became a runner, and so did his daughter Sharon and his stepdaughter Anita.
Edward Jefferson was blessed to have a devoted family. He and his wife Lillie Jefferson were married 50 years. His daughters are Beverly Sumler (deceased), Sharon Tucker, and Genniece Bennett. His step-children are Hilton Smith and Anita Martin. They gave him eight grandchildren and six great-grand children.
Other family members who have always been in EJ’s life are Susie Jefferson and her daughters, Gillian Chavers, Gydia Charles, and Sedora Jefferson.
A special thank you goes to Raymond Wynn, Doug Hughes, and Robert Bridges, who have been EJ’s friends for many years and faithfully visited and cared for EJ in his final earthly years.
Thank you to everyone who has been a loving presence in the life of Edward Jefferson. And to those who have called, visited, blessed us with prayers, cards, food, and gifts, we are sincerely grateful and extend our love.
The big personality of Edward Jefferson and the joy and laughter he gave us will be remembered and missed.
Due to COVID-19, regretfully we can not receive visitors after the Interment.
The Jefferson Family
Condolences(13)-
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Mr & Mrs Lowery says
January 15, 2021 at 5:29 amOur loving thoughts and prayers to a great neighbor & friend for more than 25 years. We will miss you ? Mr. J. we believe is now safe in “HIS” arms.
Love, Bill & Bernice Lowery
Phyllis Sherrill says
January 15, 2021 at 4:28 pmTo Sharon and the rest.of the family, I’am so sorry for your loss, I know we have not talked in a while but was looking forward to see you at our annual reunion (CPR),see you soon.,,,,,,,????????????Phyllis Custis Sherrill and family
Genniece Bennett says
January 15, 2021 at 8:10 pmOn Saturday January 9th, I lost my life long friend, my father, Edward Jefferson. He battled a long journey suffering with Dementia. I fulfilled my duty with my father and I am at peace. I recently visited him. Thank you Lil for taking care of EJ and loving him, thank you Sharon (my sister) for spending all the long nights with him at the hospital and constantly checking on him throughout the week. Darius thank you for taking EJ to his doctor visits and keeping him full of laughter. Kenniece (my daughter) you are a diamond helping often behind the scenes. Erika, Derrick and all the grandchildren let your light shine on through EJ. Keep smiling, keep laughing, that is what EJ would want! Dad you will always be in my heart, I love you.
Genniece Bennett
Lisa Yvette Montgomery says
January 16, 2021 at 5:58 amPrayers, Comfort and Strength to Mrs. Lillie Jefferson and the Family. Heaven has a Winning Runner. Blessings to All.
Makeesha Thomas says
January 16, 2021 at 8:10 amTo Genniece, Kenniece, & the entire Jefferson family, I both mourn and celebrate with you in spirit. I know how much you loved him. When my grandfather passed last year, I found comfort in the words of Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” God’s peace and love remain with you all and may He keep everyone of you. Blessings & Love
Linda Thomas says
January 16, 2021 at 4:30 pmGenniece we just want to let you and the Jefferson family know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I’ve heard so many good things about your father, but if I never heard a thing I’d imagine he had to be a pretty decent man to have such a wonderful daughter like you. Be strong the way you know how to be and know that the Lord your Father is with you. Be blessed in Jesus’s name. We love you.
Terr Battle says
January 17, 2021 at 8:59 amSharon, I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend your father (EJ). I know that you are going to miss him. Remember all the good times that you shared with him and those memories will keep you strong. Genninece know that your father is in a better place with no more pain. Always know that he loved you and your sister to the very end. Keep your head high. God got you!
Love you Terri
Teresa smith says
January 16, 2021 at 4:49 pmI met Mr. Jefferson some 30 years ago when i opened a grooming shop in the neighborhood where he lived. I throughly enjoyed every conversation I ever had with him. You never knew where you would see him around town in his running days. I thought him to be a amazing man and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Gillian Chavers says
January 17, 2021 at 6:20 pmTo my dear Aunt Lil and my cousins,
We offer our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. Uncle EJ was our favorite and last uncle in the family. He has given us a lifetime of memories, antics, humor and encouragement. My heart is sad but I hold on to the unconditional love he always gave me/us. May God comfort, bless and keep you in His tender watch care.
Gillian Chavers & Family
Patricia James says
January 18, 2021 at 9:42 amWe send our prayers of comfort, peace and strength to to the family of Mr Jefferson, and especially to our dear friend Lilly.
Be Blessed and Be Safe !
Pat James & Family
Vondra Bailey Selden says
January 18, 2021 at 10:38 amThoughts and prayers are with Sister Jefferson and Family. Deacon Jefferson left an impact and legacy in the lives of many. I will always remember Deacon Jefferson as an impeccable president of our Joint Ushers. He took the service of ushering outside of the church by getting the ushers to donate and deliver Christmas Baskets to families in need. The most memorable thing I will never forget is that Deacon Jefferson rarely attended our Virginia State Ushers Fellowship because just about every year it fell on the same weekend as the New York Marathon! Continue to share all of the beautiful memories of Deacon Edward Jefferson! God Bless and comfort each of you!
Yvette Reese says
January 18, 2021 at 10:47 amOur sympathy and prayers are extended to the Jefferson Family on today!
May the God of all comfort be with you today and the days ahead!
Pastor Gregory n Yvette Reese
Phyllis Gray says
January 18, 2021 at 11:34 amSis. Lillie Jefferson and family ,
We are Praying God’s strength, as he comforts you in your loss of your dear husband and our friend, Deacon Edward Jefferson.
Love,
Thomas & Phyllis Gray