Obituary of Gregory Jefferson

Rochester: August 10, 2011 at age 52. Gregory is survived by his wife, Joy Witmer Jefferson; sons, Gregory (Diane) and David; grandmother, Sarah Farrington; father, Sorvor (Lynola) Jefferson; mother, Florida (Charlie) Bradley; brother, Roderick (Donna); sisters, Sornette Thomas and Lynesha Jefferson; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Lawrence and Margaret Witmer; previous in-laws, John and Connie Mitchell; brothers-in- law, Tom (Elizabeth) and Jim (Randy) Witmer; sister-in-law, Laura (Robert) Morris; three grandsons and one granddaughter; five nieces; eight nephews and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Gregory was born in Oakland, CA and attended school there and in Berkeley, CA before moving to San Jose, CA where he graduated from Piedmont Hills High School, class of '76. Gregory served 20 years in the US Army before retiring as a Senior Drill Sergeant. He was very active in the community and was employed by Rochester Jobs, Inc., Action for a Better Community, The Health Association/DePaul, and Rochester Housing Authority. He also volunteered his time serving on several boards including the Do the Right Thing, started a youth basketball team with RHA, and coached several youth football, baseball and basketball teams. Gregory attended Evergreen Baptist Church and accepted the Lord at an early age as a member of Greater New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Oakland, CA. Gregory loved to fish and hunt, was an excellent cook, and possessed the uncanny ability to strike up a conversation and befriend everyone he met. He was an avid sports enthusiast and die hard Oakland Raider fan. Gregory profoundly touched everyone he met. Additional services and interment, Oakland, CA. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send expressions of sympathy please send donations to Gregory Jefferson, 10275 Bordelon Street, San Diego, CA 92124 or William W. Doud Post No. 98, American Legion, 898 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.