Gordon Jefferson

Gordon Jones Jefferson (Jeff) was the second son born to Thomas James Jefferson and Beatrice Jones Anderson (Jefferson) on May 28, 1928, in Bedford County, Virginia. He attended Bedford Training School and was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Forest. As a child, he was very popular, a gregarious personality who loved to sing. He used his talent in the Junior Choir until graduating high school. He then went to work for Western Electric, and soon afterward, enlisted in the Army serving in the 188th Airborne Infantry Regiment from 1950-1952, one of the first African American paratroopers. While there, he sang as a soloist at various times to encourage the troops. After leaving the army, he moved to New Jersey and returned to Western Electric. Soon, thereafter, he met his wife, Eva M. Oblige. They were later married, and born from that union were seven beautiful children. Gordon performed concerts during lunchtime while working at Western Electric from where he retired after over 40 years. He also took his love for singing to the stage, serving in the lead role of the play, Guys and Dolls, in a local theater. Whenever he had the opportunity to sing, whether it be in a theater, church, or among co-workers, he would. Gordon was smart, an avid reader, and well-versed in many subjects. For this reason, he affectionately earned the nickname, “the lawyer,” by some. It was evident that Gordon loved people. He loved meeting and talking to people of all backgrounds and ages. Helping people in need was something he genuinely did from the heart, many of them strangers. Gordon is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Beatrice Jefferson, his brother James Jefferson, and sister Barbara Evans. He is survived by his wife, Eva and his children, Angela (Willie), Derrick (Cynthia), Lillian, Evonne, Susan, Keith, and Mark (Annalea); six grandchildren, Brett, Shannon, Christina (Cole), Nichol (Lamar), Patrice (Sakeena), and Brittany; eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gordon will always be remembered for his graciousness, kind heart, and melodious voice. Though he will be sorely missed, we take joy in the fact that we know we will see him again. The funeral will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 at Plinton Curry Funeral Home at 428 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873, where Reverend Lester Martin will officiate. The viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Flowers can also be sent to the funeral home. The place of interment will take place on Tuesday, January 21st at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ.