Obituary of Willie Jefferson

Willie ''Bill'' Jefferson, son of the late Robert and Carrola Sanders Jefferson_was born on October 21st, 1929 in Sumpter, South Carolina and was the youngest of six children. Willie received his education at Butler High School in Hartsville, South Carolina; however, he decided to put a pause on his education in order to better support his mother at I that time. Willie later received his diploma from Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland in June of 1968. Willie enlisted in the Army in 1951 and proudly served our country during the Korean War. During his tenure with the military he worked as a Pipe Machine Operator,·a watchman and held numerous positions while serving our country. Willie married Lelia Lighty in South Carolina in 1950 and shared a total of five children together. While still living in South Carolina, Willie and Lelia had two children: Willie, Jr. and Ronald.. Willie and Lelia decided to call Baltimore home in the late 1950's and had three more children: Annette, and the twins Alfred and Alvin (aka Bobby). After moving to Baltimore with his family, Willie had numerous opportunities of employment; however, he later decided to make a career out of the Maryland Transit Administration as a mechanic and then retired after more than 25 years of service with the company. Willie's career success can be attributed to his work ethic, due diligence, legendary attention to detail, and his natural mechanical ability. Willie was a devoted follower of Christ who loved the Lord, his family, his church, and his community and was an active member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Catonsville, Maryland. But most of all, Willie was a family man. Post retirement and up until his earthly transition, Willie enjoyed being around family, caring for his late wife Lelia Jefferson, watching sports, fishing, reading and working in his yard gardening and trimming his hedges. Willie also loved helping at his daughter's daycare centers taking care of everything that needed fixing. The children said he was a ''Good Worker.'' He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Willie not only lived a servant life, but also modeled a servant's heart. His life is a true testament to the transformative impact of a true servant leader. Willie peacefully departed this earth on November 5th, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Willie's memories, sense of humor, servant heart, and love for his family will be forever cherished by his family members and his community who will miss him dearly. Willie was preceded in death by both his parents, siblings, his wife Leila Jefferson, and two oldest sons Willie Jefferson, Jr. and Ronald Jefferson. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Annette Patterson (Keith), sons Alvin Jefferson (Jackie and Alfred Jefferson Rhonda. Willie also had 11 grandchildren that includes, Kevin, Jarrod, Tyra, Ronald Jr. Renee, Lindsay, Linea, Patrick, Jessica, Jasmine, and Jennifer. As well as 11 great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.