William H. Jefferson - Obituary

human spirit has taken flight at the call of our Heavenly Father from distractions and weariness of time to the peace of eternity. William Howard Jefferson was born September 26, 1931 and sunset June 17, 2017. He was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Robert Everett Jefferson and Alberta W. Bracy. When he was a young boy his parents moved to New York City. Bill attended Straubenmuller Textile High School in NYC where he was affectionately known as ladies’ man. In 1978 he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business: Personnel Administration from Avila College. He was committed to receiving an education, as he had a demanding military occupation and a family. Records indicate that he enrolled in classes throughout his military career and attended 8 colleges stateside and overseas. He was finally able to complete his degree after he retired from the military. Bill joined the U.S. Air Force December 28, 1952 and retired July 31, 1975 at the rank of Senior Master Sargent (E-8). He was one rank away from the highest rank an enlisted person can achieve. Bill was modest in stating his achievements. One little known fact about Bill is he was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for Meritorious Service in a combat zone, a heroic achievement, or heroic service during combat operations against an enemy. It is one of the highest honors for members of the military and very few receive it. He was awarded the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal for actively contributing to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. While serving overseas as the Chief of the Maintenance Control Center, Communication Services, he was awarded the Outstanding Maintenance Man of the Year. Bill also received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal and other outstanding military achievements. After Bill retired from the Air Force, he began a career in the Federal government with the Department of the Navy as an Employee Relations Specialist. He honed his skill in this area also. He became a Certified Senior Arbitrator by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., National Panel of Consumer Arbitrators, to serve as an Arbitrator in disputes between businesses and their customers. Bill enjoyed learning new things and volunteering his time. He volunteered at the Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base in various areas of the hospital. He was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Participation Program where he helped many military members by preparing their taxes. He received recognition from the Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Maryland for his unselfish contribution of time to their Volunteer and Education Programs. Bill received a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Service from the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Area Agency on Aging. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, researching topics, photography and martial arts. Bill received a Brown Belt from the Okinawa Judo Association. He participated in many Air Force Judo Tourneys. Bill loved being married, but after several attempts, he was not successful in this area. Bill had two children that preceded him in death, daughter Deborah Elaine Jefferson Goncalves and son William Howard Jefferson Jr. He leaves a brother Robert Jefferson, daughters Patricia Jefferson, Nancy White, Miyuki Jefferson, Kiyoko Larson and son Hideo Jefferson. Also, he leaves his close cousin Katherine Weeks, friend and former wife Frances Jefferson, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends that will miss him.