Clarence William Jefferson Sr.

Clarence William Jefferson was born November 7, 1930, to the union of Jane Mae White and Alexander Jefferson in Detroit, Michigan. 

Clarence was the youngest child of three, lovingly known as “The Baby”. As he grew older, they called him “Jeff”. He is preceded by his eldest sister Emma Jefferson Cobb and his eldest brother Lt. Col Alexander Jefferson of the Tuskegee Airmen. 

As a child Jeff was baptized and raised in a strong Methodist faith of many generations. In his last years he followed his son-in-law, Pastor Tyrell Jones at Higher Ground Baptist Church and was ordained as a Deacon. He was Faithful to the Ministry.

He attended Wayne State University for 3 years. He was employed as a mail clerk with the Corp of Engineer’s, for the US Army from 1951 and 1952. 

On January 24, 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to 488 Medical Detachment –Vet Food Inspection unit at Camp Truscott in Salisbury, Austria. 

On April 1, 1953, he was temporarily elevated to the rank of Corporal. On January 2, 1954, he transferred to the US Army Reserve as a Corporal E-4. On January 23, 1960, he was discharged from the US Army Reserve as Corporal E-4 from Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. He received the following: Occupational Medal and National Defense Service Medal’.

Clarence began working for the City of Detroit in August 1957 under Coleman A, Young, Mayor. He rose from being a housing Inspector to the first Black Chief of Housing-Division of the Building & Safety Engineering Department, for the City of Detroit. Clarence retired from the City of Detroit in July 1992. He was known for his compassionate, caring and kind leadership. He advocated for his people providing work for those who would be hard pressed to survive during layoffs. He really had a heart for his people.

Clarence was a trend setter, in fashion, with cars, in his professional life, and his personal life. When it was not common, he became a single father. During that time in his life, he leaned on his family, David T. and Gwendylon Harper, as well as his siblings and their families, Dumas and Emma Cobb and Alexander Jefferson, along with other family and friends for support. He (and his children) is grateful for the encouragement and help received during that time. It took a Village!

In his spare time, he loved Fishing, Bowling, and Traveling. His thirst for knowledge lead- to reading and exploring new and old things. He and Brother Alex took time out to explore their Ancestors which they found many interesting facts. 

Jeff enjoyed taking pictures of his travels and family. He decided to digitize and organize his pictures into slides. There are 33,000. That took months but he did it!

He would fondly remember his friends from the infamous “Ain’t About Nothing Club” a small group of his closest friends that would celebrate anything at the drop of a hat, they even traveled together. Every year they would have a Fish Fry from all the Bass caught on his Fishing trips. Clarence also had a way with plants (Mr. Green Thumb!) He had plants that were 50 years old and still growing strong. He loved wildlife and yes, squirrels! They were trained to come to his door daily for food. He was kind to all creation.

Clarence was married for the second time to the love of his life Florence over 44 years with his two children, Reverend Cheryl Jefferson Bell (Walter) and Clarence Jefferson II. (Cynthia). Florence had four children, Candace McDonald-Jones (Pastor Tyrell Jones), Deceased: Geno (Paula-Spence) Evans, Michael Evans, and Mario (Kamiel) Evans. Between them they have 12 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren with a host of nieces and nephews. Remaining to cherish his memories are also a host of relatives and friends.

He was called to rest on June 13, 2024, in Southfield, Michigan, Jeff was ninety-three. He is deeply missed. 

We are so grateful for the amazing loving care provided to Clarence in his latter days. He was so appreciative of his immediate family. Also Grateful to his super caregivers Harriett Porterfield, Shawnika “Ivory” and Chrystal Peterson. We are eternally grateful for their loving-kindness and compassion shown to our loved one “Mr. Jefferson”. “Thank You”.