Harold E Jefferson Sr.

On 4-3-1923, in the Hall home at the corner of Duquesne and Homestead Avenue, Harold Eunice Jefferson was born to Edmund and Harriet Jefferson. Losing his mother at an early age, Harold and hbis two brothers, Edmund Jr (Fats), Kenneth (Kenny) and his sister, Ann (Sis) were raised by their father in a strict home. They lived by a set of rules that would stand today's children on their heads. Dad ran a tight ship, while he was home, but while he was at work, Harold and his siblings "had a ball" but all chores had to be done before Dad came home. As a child, you could Harold in church. He was baptized around the age of 14 by Rev. Robert Burrell Sr. Even before the age of 5 Harold remembered being a musician sitting on top of boxes playing an old pump organ in the church. At that time, there were no pews or furnace at First Baptist Church in Homestead. The congregation sat in chairs around an old pot belly stove. As a young boy, Harold would arrive early and built the fire before Sunday School and when the cinders had to be cleaned out, he did that as well. Growing up was not always a chore. Harold enjoyed being the family tease, playing softball and picking berries and apples. Because of his fascination with nature, he wandered into the woods and was therefore given the nickname "Nature Boy". As he rode his bicycle, with handkerchief tied around his hat with guitar strapped to his back, the "Grizzly Adams" of the Terrace was escorted by the neighborhood dogs. Later Harold worked in the steel mill for approximately one year before being drafted in 1943. While in the Army Quartermaster and Ordinance Corps, Private 1st Class Jefferson was stationed in England, Northern Ireland, Northern France and the Rhineland. Private Jefferson was there in Normandy France on historical "D" Day during World War II. His uniform was decorated with badges of Rifle Marksman, the Croix De Guerre, a WWII Victory Medal and 3 Bronze Stars (Good Conduct Medals). After his discharge in 1945, he returned to U.S. Steel where he worked for 33 years. Soon after returning from the Army, he was ordained as a Deacon in First Baptist Church. On June 27, 1948, Deacon Jefferson married Calliemae Janie Nesmith. His proudest moment of personal achievement arrived on the day he completed the house that he built for his wife. In the home at 3120 Mary Street, Harold and Callie raised two children, Elizabeth Jane and Harold Jr. and one dog, Jo-Jo. When Deacon Jefferson could not be found around the home or work, Jo-Jo knew where to look and would lie patiently in the church vestibule, waiting for his friend to emerge and together they would return home. As a lifelong choir member, church musician, Sunday School Superintendent, trustee and deacon, Harold has found that God's plan for everyone is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, for Christ himself said, "I am the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me". (John 14:6) His favorite parable was "The Prodigal Son" who after straying, returned home, determined to live right, accepting the guidance of his father. Clad in jeans, cowboy hat and boots, with guitar and harmonica not too far away, Deacon Jefferson a man of simple means, enjoyed music, gardening, and working with his hands. He made many handcarved wooden shios, airplanes, banks, trucks, etc. for his family and community children. Thought a quiet man who preferred staying close to home, his eagerness to be helpful has taught many the joy of doing for others. This is sharing God's love in its truest sense. Not a man of complication or confusion, Deacon Jefferson, the community's "Uncle Harold" had shown us that true happiness is found in true simplicity. Simply put Love your Creator and love His creation. Deacon Harold E. Jefferson was preceded in death by his parents, two infant siblings; and siblings Edmund Jefferson Jr., Ann Green and Kenneth Jefferson. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Calliemae Janie Jefferson, two children: Elizabeth Harrison and Harold Jefferson Jr. (Kim); Five grandchildren; many great grandchildren, and godchildren;sister in law, Marie Jefferson; chosen daughter, Rev. Arlene Marie Walker and a host of many relatives and friends.

Tributes

Harold E Jefferson Sr.

April 3, 1923 - December 21, 2014