Willie McKinley Jefferson, husband of Jeanie Jefferson, was born Aug. 10, 1929, in Mayesville to the late William McKinley Jefferson and Julia Dix Jefferson.
He died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center in Sumter.
He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age and became a lifelong member of Ebenezer AME Church, Mayesville. Willie served his church in several capacities, including steward pro-tem, Sunday School superintendent, bible class teacher, church secretary, director of Christian Education and the Lay Organization. He was also a dutiful servant of the Northeast Conference where he was president of the Lay Organization, Allen University recruiter, director of Christian Education, finance committee member and a member of the General Conference of the AME Church since 1968.
Willie was a graduate of Mayesville Institute High School. He went on to earn a bachelor of science in chemistry from Allen University in Columbia, and a master's degree in education from South Carolina State in Orangeburg. He did further studies at University of North Carolina in Greensboro, the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Francis Marion University in Florence.
He served a tour of duty in the United States Army.
During his career, Willie served as director of alumni affairs at Allen University, assistant superintendent for personnel and instruction for Lee County Schools, principal of Mount Pleasant High School in Elliott, and Dennis High School in Bishopville, and numerous other teaching and administrative positions in Trio and Sumter School District.
He worked tirelessly in the community as he served as a summary court judge, town councilman and mayor of Mayesville for many years. His unselfish dedication and love for his family extended to all mankind.
Willie was a member of the Do-Right Lodge No. 377 F.A.M. in Lynchburg, the Gamma Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the Sumter County Greater Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Municipal Association and many other civic, social and professional organizations.
Willie McKinley Jefferson was previously married to the late Wilhemenia Williams Jefferson, and to this union two sons were born.
Survivors include his loving wife, Jeanie L. Jefferson; five sons, William C. Jefferson of Fayetteville, John Fitzgerald Jefferson of Mayesville, Lee Ernest (Francena) Brown and Ronnie Brown of Gable, and Robert (Flora Mae) Brown of Pensacola, Fla.; two daughters, Barbara B. Ragin of Gable and Melba (Ricky) G. Payne of Sumter; a sister, Pattie J. Gibson of Mayesville; a brother, Roy Jefferson, of Columbus, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and a number of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and other relatives and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at Job's Mortuary in Sumter.
Mr. Jefferson will be placed in R.E. Davis Elementary School at noon Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, for viewing until the hour of services.
Funeral services for Willie McKinley Jefferson will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at R.E. Davis Elementary School, 345 Eastern School Road in Sumter, with the Rev. Phillip Washington, eulogist, assisted by Elder Robert McCants, the Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black, the Rev. Archie Temoney, the Rev. Herbert Temoney, the Rev. Dr. Friendly Gadson and the Rev. McKinley Washington. Interment will follow in Mayesville Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home, 21 Mill St. in Mayesville.
Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.
Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main St., is in charge of arrangements.
