Roy Bernard 'Big Jeff' Jefferson

Roy Bernard Jefferson, known to many as Big Jeff, was born August 14, 1926 in Mayesville, South Carolina. A graduate of Mayesville Institute School, Roy served in the United States Army during the Korean War and retired from Owens-Illinois with over thirty years of employment. Roy was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church and served the Lord as a member of the Male Chorus, Trustee Board and Usher Board. Due to his many years of service, the Male Chorus paid special recognition to Roy in October of 2012. Roy enjoyed his time in the sunshine. He maintained two vegetable gardens every spring and between tending you could find him laid back sitting outside reading his Bible, the newspaper or resting his eyes. He enjoyed sitting on the banks of the river fishing and spending time with his family. On March 12, 2017, at the age of 90, Roy was called home to be with the Lord while at his longtime Columbus, Ohio residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. Jefferson and Julia E. Dix-Jefferson, siblings, Clara E. Reese, Mary Louise Wilson, Irene Jefferson, Sue Mae Hines, Alonza P. Jefferson, George M. Jefferson, Harry Lee Jefferson, Ivory Jefferson, Primus Jefferson and Willie McKinley Jefferson, former wife and dear friend, Bertha M. Jefferson, and grandson Antonio D. Jefferson. He is survived by his children, Thomas (Jacque) Jefferson, Timothy (Darnetta) Jefferson, and Sandra (Bruce) Harris; sister Pattie Gibson; grandchildren, Nicole E. Harris, Seneca (Jason) Turner, Taneka (Johnathan) Brown, Julia L. Harris, Christopher Smith, and Halle Jefferson; great grandchildren, Nathan Lee Roy Harris, William Harris, Floyd Harris, and Madison Brown; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt thanks, the many expressions of love and concern shown to them during this hour of bereavement. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. May God bless and keep you.