Elijah Jefferson Sr.'s Obituary
Elijah Jefferson, Sr. was born February 22, 1932 in Centreville Mississippi. He was the middle child born to Violet Jefferson. Elijah had nine siblings. Elijah attended Holly Grove Baptist Church and accepted the Lord at an early age. He graduated from Finch High School in Centreville Mississippi.
On November 10, 1954, Elijah married the love of his life, Ceola Bailey. Elijah enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1951 as a Seaman Recruit. His first duty station was the USS Valley Forge. While in the service, Elijah relocated several times before settling in San Diego, California in 1963. He was stationed onboard various Naval Ships during his military service and retired as a BTC in 1971. After his service with the military, Elijah worked for the Federal Civil Service at 32nd Street Naval Station Public Works in San Diego, CA from 1971-1992. While in San Diego, he attended Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. S. M. Lockridge. Later in life, he and his family became faithful members of New Creation Church under the leadership of Pastor Amos Johnson and eventually Rev. Reginald L. Gary. Elijah was dedicated to his church and a proud member of the Brotherhood, 50 Plus Club, and Senior Usher Board. Elijah was always willing to help where ever he was needed.
Elijah affectionately known as “Papa” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He enjoyed taking care of his family, playing dominos, watching baseball, walking at Chollas Lake, and hosting the family Christmas dinner. Elijah was also very involved in his community. He was a member of the Webster Neighborhood Council and enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s sport and school activities. He was a great neighbor and always willing to help in any way he could.
God called Elijah from labor to reward on June 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ceola Jefferson, mother Violet Jefferson, siblings Rettie T. Jefferson, George Jefferson, Leroy Jefferson, William Jefferson Sr., Jimmy Jefferson, Viola Brown, and Oralee Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Beverly Watson (Leonard) of San Diego, CA Elijah Jefferson, Jr. (Sharmayne) of Maricopa AZ, and Janet Green (Aaron) of Vallejo, CA, his sisters, Patty Reese of Jackson Mississippi and Dr. Lovie Gibson of Jackson Mississippi. His grandchildren, Callie Davis (Eric) of San Diego, CA, Myrika Green of Wichita Falls, TX, Dominique Dominquez (Jose) of Maricopa, AZ, Dante Jefferson (Tish) of Peoria, AZ, Derrick Watson of San Diego, CA, Brandon Watson of San Diego, CA, and Veronica Jefferson of Maricopa, AZ; great-grandchildren, Eric Davis, Jr., Ysabelle Dominguez, Kennedy Davis, Gracie Dominguez, Bailey Jefferson, Annalea Watson, Elijah Dominquez, James Dominquez, Aiden Jefferson, Valentina Watson, and Imani Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
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