Obituary of Freddie Josiah Jeffries

On August 27, 1948, Freddie Josiah Jeffries was the last child born to Joseph S.

Jeffries and Ida Mary Stewart Jeffries.

Freddie attended and graduated from East High School and his favorite pastime

was basketball. He carried his love for basketball to his place of employment at

Kodak beginning in 1966, where he played in the Kodak Basketball League. While

at Kodak, Freddie was also a part of the MOST (Moving On Social & Traveling) Club

inspired by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Club encouraged family to travel once a year

to see Julius Erving, “Dr. J”, play in Philly and also traveled to Atlantic City and other

attractions. Freddie retired from Kodak in 2013.

In September 1970, Freddie met and married Andria Manns, and from that union, a

son, Khari Ellis Jeffries, was born. Khari was Freddie’s heart and he passed his love

of music right down to Khari, who at the age of 4, directed the International Choir

in Belleville, Virginia. Freddie also taught Khari the love of basketball. They played

together regularly as Khari grew up and shared many moments debating about

teams and players. Go Lakers!

Freddie, a lifetime member of the Church of God And Saints of Christ, began his

career in the choir as a Shepherd Boy and later emerged as a charismatic choir and

chorus director. He was made a chorister during his teenage years, and was the

head chorister of Fifteenth Tabernacle’s choir for over 40 years. Freddie shared his

love of music through singing as well as teaching, by mentoring several present and

future choristers. He was instrumental in showcasing the beauty and unique sound

of the Rochester A Capella Chorus, which performed all over Rochester and the

surrounding areas.

In the late 1970’s, Freddie and Pamela Banks were introduced to one another at

various socials. Though, Freddie was very shy, as time passed, he and Pam grew

very close and in 1982, they married. They shared a beautiful life for over 40 years,

opening their home and their hearts to both family and friends.

Freddie’s love of basketball continued long after he stopped playing and he could

often be found at many of the high school basketball games. He also enjoyed

supporting the young people and their parents at football, softball, and volleyball

games. He encouraged any and all and was known to say, “Keep doing what you’re

doing” - even if your performance could use a little tweaking.

Freddie was fastidious and timely and could be seen looking at his watch while waiting

to direct the next song during the Sabbath service. He could also be heard reminding

Pam when it was time to get on the move. If he went to the car and Pam was still inside

the church gathering her things or enjoying additional fellowship, you would hear

Freddie re-enter and say, “Come on, Pammy, Let’s go”.

In his senior years, Freddie enjoyed playing cards throughout the week with his friends

at the Bayview YMCA where his competitive spirit and jovial nature never fell short. He

loved watching his favorite westerns, Law & Order, and Perry Mason, all of which he

could already recite by memory. But, he enjoyed them every time like it was the first

time. One of his last favorite adventures was a birthday trip to Las Vegas, Nevada in

August of 2022 where he thoroughly enjoyed the games of chance and all the many sites

the city had to offer.

Freddie worked hard and he played hard. He believed in God and he would do anything

for family. When it came to the Sabbath, Freddie sang “until the power of the Lord came

down”. He had an undeniable tenor sound. It could not and still cannot be duplicated.

Freddie is predeceased by both his mother and father; his brothers Benjamin Jeffries,

James Jeffries, Emmanuel Jeffries, Paul Nehemiah Jeffries, Joshua Jeffries, Anthony

Smith, James Smith, Jr., Willard Smith, Wallace Smith; his sisters Esther Thompson,

Phoebe Lawson, Mary Jeffries, Ida J. Brown, Sadie “Terry” Hurt (David Hurt), Veronica

Smith, Patricia Allen, and his great-grandchild Ki’Shawn Jeffries. He leaves to cherish his

memory, his loving wife Pamela Banks-Jeffries; his son Khari (Aisha) Jeffries, Sr.; his

grandchildren T. Ishay Jeffries, Malik Edwards, Khari Jeffries, Jr., and Kaílah Jeffries; his

great-grandchild, Aubrielle Edwards; his brothers Howard (Dietrich) Jeffries, Sr. Darnell

Smith, Preston Smith, and Jerome Smith; his brother-in-law Courtney (Teoka)

Muhammad; his sisters Lillian McNeil, Lottie (Dominique) Elsey, Pamela Blythers, and

Dorothy Nixon; his sister-in-law Kimberly Crooms; his aunts Viola Perry, Hazel Jeffries,

and Gwendolyn Jeffries; his godchildren Howard Jeffries, III, Julius Davis, Jr., and Zion

Jeffries; and a HOST of nieces, nephews, cousins, congregational family, and friends.

We will miss Freddie - our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great

grandfather and friend. But, we know that he will be “...singing the songs of praises...”

until we meet again.

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