I sure do miss you Willie and think about you often, can't wait today we can walk and talk again!

Thoughts and prayers to the family. 

Dawn

Willie was the best Father-in-Law in the world. He was a second father to me. He will be greatly missed and he was deeply loved. 

I worked with Willie from when he had arrived at United Way, him and I talked about many things that we were both were passionate about from Corporate Volunteer events and working with Volunteers to just sitting talking about the Cards, Suns or even the Cowboys! 
He put his heart into events and making sure things went smooth for everyone. 
Truly a man I hope to run into again some day! 😇 

Willie made a special connection to all he encountered.  At United Way, we were all so grateful for his dedication and friendship.  I will miss Willie, and hold the lessons he taught just through how he lived his life close to my heart.

Jacqueline shared that education was an important part of Willie’s journey, and he was grateful for scholarships he received from various sources that enabled him to attend Jarvis Christian College, which otherwise would not have been possible. 

To honor and continue Willie’s legacy, Valley of the Sun United Way has partnered with Maricopa Community Colleges to establish the Willie T. Jeffries Scholarship Fund, which will support young black men pursing post-secondary education and certifications. 

Those interested in commemorating him in this way, can do so by visiting:  https://vsuw.org/blog/willie-jeffries-a-legacy-of-living-united



At VSUW, Willie is truly legendary. He was defined and driven by his generosity. He was generous with his time. Generous with his heart. Generous with his spirit and compassion. And generous with his smiles and arm nudges. It has been a privilege and an honor to work alongside him. We will try our best to live up to Willie's example. Heartfelt condolences and much love to the Jeffries family. 

Willie was always a bright light with a smile that made you feel like everything is going to be OK.  It will be hard to return to the office knowing his beautiful smile and laugh will not be there to greet me but I will always remember how good he made me feel and how he always reminded me of the "why" in what we do.  Rest in Heaven Willie - you are missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Willie for almost three years.  He was a most genuine and kind man, who never hesitated to help me or any colleague. He was very hard-working, and, as others have shared, would approach any new idea or suggestion with a wonderfully positive attitude.  He was so easy to talk to. I'll miss the informal chats we had in passing when we were in the office, as well as his great presence on calls and in meetings--in person and online.  He was truly dedicated to his work and his family, and we are all so lucky to have known him.  

Willie was a kind, caring and loving individual, that gave so much to the community.  Willie was a Willie and I worked together on so many education projects with community partners.  Often they would start like this, "let's walk and talk"  and then it was "let's see what I can do".  May you rest in peace my dear friend, as I know some day we will walk and talk together again.

My deepest condolences to his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Dawn

To Mattie, Andrew and Jeffery, 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. You all will forever remain family to our family in Gilmer and DeSoto and Rockwall, Texas.
We want you all to know that God is our strength. Keep praying and leaning on him for understanding. He always sees us through!!
Love,
Gazette and the entire Waters-Granville family..

Willie was our Corporate Relations Manager thru VSUW.  He was so very passionate about his work and it showed when he presented and spoke about the program.   It was a pleasure knowing and working with him the last few years.  My thoughts and prayers to  his family and friends.   May he rest in peace.

To my cousins Robin and Rodney, we want you all to know that we are grieving with you. Uncle Willie was a kind hearted soul. 
I will never forget the love and support that he and Auntie Mavonee gave me and my brother Morris when we were growing up. I will always be here for you all.
We must remember that God never makes a mistake. Always trust God and he will see you through..
Love,
Gazette, Aveia and Bobby

Willie, although  you and I didn't work closely together, I'm grateful for the times you stopped to say "hello, how are you doing",  and the small conversations we had as we passed one another around the office.  You sure knew how to make anyone smile.
 The lord knew what he was doing when he made you.  Although he took you too soon, I know that when he saw you, he told you "Willie well done my faithful servant".   
 You and your smile, your laugh and your warm kind heart will be deeply missed.  My deepest condolences and prayers to the family.

Willie always shared his joy and commitment to community in a way that inspired others to serve. I will never forget Willie and the VSUW team in our corporate talent show! Willie has a special place in our hearts. Bless Willie and Bless his family. 

Willie was one in a million! He was so warm, kind and wise. The world was richer for having him in it and is so much the poorer for his having left us. He will be missed so much, by so many.

I will miss your warm smile and your kind heart.  My thoughts and prayers to the family. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of Willie's passing. He was always a pleasure to work with during my time at VSUW. He made an important impact on me and others who were fortunate enough to meet him. I am keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

Willie was the perfect combination of kindness and class and I enjoyed every interaction I had with him at VSUW. We are all so much better for having had him in our lives and he will be greatly missed by so many. 

My sincere condolences to Willie's family. When I received the news I could not believe I would not work with him again. I have known Willie since I started working for U.S. Bank 8 years ago. He truly had such a beautiful heart and spirit, he was so kind and supportive and always made everyone feel welcomed. We partnered every year for the United Campaign, he was a remarkable human being to work with and pray that his legacy carries on. You will be missed!

Please accept my condolences.  I had the privilege to  work with Willy for several years with the Gilbert Education Foundation.  He was our United Way Representative.  He was so kind and generous and his love for people was evident in everything he did.  May he rest in peace.  Blessings to all his loved ones.

Theresa Dootson
Executive Director
Gilbert Education Foundation

Willie is one in a million kind of guy. He brought such a warmth and kindness to every interaction that always made me feel like we were in good hands. He made our team our team by providing not only his wisdom and expertise, but his signature sense of humor and smile. He could get a kick out of anything! He brighten up any room or Zoom room he was in. When things might go sideways, he'd chuckle and say "We've got it, we'll figure it out". And they would, because Willie was an ultimate professional who cared so deeply for the work he chose to do.  I'm so fortunate that our paths crossed, that he kindly shared his wisdom and so many good laughs. The way he loved his family was always present in every conversation. Willie, I'm a better person because of you and I am so grateful for the lessons you taught me, without even intending to. I send all my love and energy to your family in this time and beyond. 

Willie was such an incredibly amazing man. He had a smile on his face whenever I saw him, and never let the world get him down. Willie found a way to connect with every single person he met, and build lasting relationships. When I started at VSUW 4 years ago, Willie and I connected over the Dallas Cowboys, and our banter over the team are some of my most cherished conversations! I can't express how much I will miss Willie coming up to me, giving his little "one armed side nudge", saying "how you doing! How bout them cowboys??" Followed by the signature Willie chuckle. Willie is kind, Willie is genuine, and Willie embodies what it means to "Live United". I will miss you my friend, until we meet again. Love and condolences to your family during this difficult time. 

Willie and I started working at VSUW around the same time in 2013. He would always say, "Hi!" and smile when we crossed paths in the office. He had a light and positive energy with him always. We began to work more closely together and he quickly became an advocate for a new software we started using to help visualize our corporate partners campaign efforts. He helped his colleagues learn how to use it and helped create buy-in. He wasn't afraid to try something new and he was always willing to raise his hand to help wherever he could. He would check in on me and ask me how I was doing when he had a few minutes to spare and it always meant so much to me. I will miss those moments and I will miss Willie dearly. He was one of the most genuine and kind people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Sending his family my love and strength during this difficult time.

I can't tell you how sad I am to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Willie. He was such a genuine person. He was kind, thoughtful, and inspirational to all of us at VSUW. We are so fortunate to have known him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the entire family.

At VSUW, Willie was the anchor of our team. Always positive, professional, and helpful, Willie was a sign of stability and strength during times of change. A constant source of level-headedness, I never saw Willie flustered or stressed. He would listen, pause, and offer advice. I will remember his signature chuckle, warm smile, and ability to rock a sweater vest better than anyone. I'm sadden most by the wisdom and mentoring we'll miss out on for losing Willie too soon. We're better because of Willie and I count myself among the lucky ones for having known him. Until we meet again, my friend. 

Willie, we as a work family are truly blessed to have known such a great spirit like you. I am grateful for all the moments - meetings, volunteer events, campaign sessions, potlucks, brainstorming sessions, coffee talks but most of all just U being U with the best smile and greatest laugh ever.  My sincere deepest condolences to the Jeffries family, Willie you will be forever missed ❤️

There was a time when United Way would ask folks to join with us using the phrase "give hope a hand." That is what Willie did every day - he gave our hope a hand. He wore his warmth and kindness on his sleeve for everyone to share in, what a gift. My condolences to his family and all who had the good fortune to know this gentleman. 

Willie was such a kind and steady leader for Valley of the Sun United Way and welcomed me and everyone to United Way with his big smile, kind words and infectious laugh. We were so fortunate to have him as a part of our team, showing up to everything with a smile, and to see him every Friday in our virtual all-staff meetings through the challenges of COVID, and as a hope builder with his work with our team and corporate partners was an inspiration.  We lost you too soon Willie, and we will miss you.
Carla

Willie was an incredible man who would pour into those around him, always knowing just what that person needed at that time.  I was blessed to have had Willie in my life for so many years, years that I will treasure.  I hold many moments in my heart for Willie, thank you God for bringing him to all of us!

My prayers are with his family and with all who loved him.  


Willie my friend, we need more kind souls like you in this world.  Thank you for your smile, your laugh and your friendship.  I will always remember that moment you and I realized that we knew each other from another work life (Broadvision) and another state (California/Texas)...the world got a bit smaller that day but the laughs we shared over it were incredible.  Rest well my friend, you've earned it.  Until we meet again across the Rainbow Bridge

Willie’s smile was contagious and spoke volumes. His passion for VSUW was obvious and the communities for which he worked,  are celebrating his successes.

Willie was a man of God. He touched our hearts with a gentle soul and our spirits with frequent nudges.

God blessed our lives through our friend, Willie!

Willie was truly one of the nicest people I met having worked at United Way for the last 3 or 4 years.  He was one of the first people to introduce himself to me. There was not one time he didn't stop to say hi and ask how I was doing. We chatted often and I really will miss him.  He was a true light at VSUW and I am sure in the world. Our deepest condolences. 

Willie will continue to be an inspiration to me for years to come. He was so kind and so good-hearted.  He brought out the best in those around him and his smile could light up a room. He will be deeply missed by the VSUW family. 

Willie welcomed every day at work with a laugh and a smile.  Our work is heavy and each of those laughs reminded me of our abilities to hope and love one another as a form of support.  Those laughs were like hugs that kept us connected and focused on the good work.  My life is richer because I had a chance to know Willie.  May his memory be a blessing. 

People like Willie are hard to come by.   His love of family was evident to all who spent time speaking with him.  A sincere and kind gentleman who believed in making his corner of the world a better place for everyone. Prayers of peace and comfort to his family and all who were privileged to know him.

Willie was a class act. A generous man in spirit and always a welcoming smile! His constant encouragement and support to me and his other colleagues really meant something! Rest in peace with smiles from above!

Willie was such an amazing person to work with. He was so kind, smart and always the first one to make me laugh. I remember telling him that he was like my grandfather. I will miss seeing his smile in every meeting. Sending love and light to all who knew him.

Everyone who knew Willie was touched by what a kind person he was.  His laughter was infectious and he was always smiling,  Willie, I will miss you.  My condolences to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man.   

Willie was such a kind soul. He will deeply be missed. Wonderful person in our community and a great person to work with. He always checked in with me to see how I was doing. Love you brother.

Sending love to all those who knew Willie. He was a wonderful and kind soul. I will miss working with him to serve our community,
My deepest condolences, 
Timna Guerchon

OBITUARY

Willie T. Jeffries

19 July, 1948 – 12 October, 2021

Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

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