Samuel Jefferson Jr., 60, of Knoxville, IA, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at his home.
He was born in Bluff City, AR on May 25, 1950, a son of Samuel Sr. and Dorothy Marie (Taylor) Jefferson. He was formerly married to Leola (Randle).
Samuel is survived by his parents of Peoria; son, Erin Jefferson of Peoria; daughters, Kim (Del) Cryer-Benjamin of Peoria and Karen Jefferson, both of Peoria; brother, Sonny Jefferson of Prescott, AR; sisters, the Rev. Deloras Lassiter and Carolyn Jefferson, both of Peoria, and the Rev. Brenda Jefferson of Atlanta, GA; nine grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was a member of Star of Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Peoria. In 1968, he graduated from Manual High School in Peoria and earned his Associates Degree from Illinois Central College.
He attended Bradley University in Peoria, before joining the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he earned two bronze service stars in the Vietnam War. He was a volunteer and mentor for disabled veterans.
Samuel was a Purchasing Agent for Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, before moving to Iowa. In Iowa, he attended the Veterans’ Chapel in Knoxville.
He enjoyed listening to Jazz, the oldies and blues music, especially The Temptations and The Five Heartbeats. His favorite song was “I Feel Like Going On”, by the Five Heartbeats. He loved God and doing for others, all sports, visiting his family in Peoria and sitting in his favorite chair.
Samuel will be remembered for giving unconditionally and for being the best father, brother and friend you could ask God for.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at the Church of the Living God Temple #130 in Peoria, with Bishop Leroy Smith and the Rev. Brenda Jefferson officiating. Visitation will be one-hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at noon on Friday, August 6, 2010, in Camp Butler Nation Cemetery in Springfield.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.
Slideshow
Latest Condolences
| Finis & Frances Purifoy |
VIETNAM VETERAN |
August 11, 2010 |
O God, Father of us all, we extend these final earthly tributes to our beloved comrade. Accept our prayers in behalf of the soul of Thy servent departed. Welcome him to Thy house to rest in peace. Look with mercy upon the loved ones bereaved by his passing. Comfort and console them through Thine own tenderness. These things we ask humbly in Thy name. Amen.
Finis Purifoy, Veterans of Foreign Wars Chaplain Post 4554 East Camden, AR.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 0808 Magnola, AR.
| Gus & Sitrenia Danzeys |
Army Veterans |
August 6, 2010 |
To the Jefferson Family
Although it's difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tommorow.
Gus & Sitrenia Danzey
Hopewell, Virginia
| OTIS & LINDA BOX |
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL |
August 5, 2010 |
Our sympathy go out to you all. You are in our prayers during this time. Our prayer is that you remember all the good times with Jr.
| Dick & Vickie Reed |
Neighbors |
August 5, 2010 |
We were truly blessed to be neighbors to Sam in Knoxville, Iowa. He was a charming, thoughtful neighbor and all three generations of our family will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May he rest in eternal peace.
| Margie Aldridge |
Friend |
August 5, 2010 |
What an honor to have known and loved Sam (Sham). We go back a long way. I had this thing for eating out of the most beautiful blue plate in the world. He knew it and did all he could to keep me from getting it. He was just that way, making lasting impacts on others lives. May God bless the family with great memories shared with a great man.
Love you all.
Margie
