Jeffrey Lee Ferguson

Jeff was born on August 19, 1951, to Delores Hughes and Louis Ferguson in Jefferson, KY. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to North Carolina, where he grew up in Winston-Salem. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic School and Mount Tabor High School before graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.

Jeff and Mary Alice first met and became good friends in the halls of Mount Tabor. Their friendship grew into a relationship during college, and they were married in 1976.

Jeff and Mary Alice always felt as though they grew up together, sharing a deep love for each other and creating many cherished memories throughout their lives. Mary Alice always regarded Jeff as a kind, selfless, intelligent, and incredibly loving person.

In 1980, Jeff began his career at Corn Products Corporation (now Ingredion), where he worked until his retirement. He was one of the first 40 employees at the Winston-Salem location, and this group became a cherished second family to him. He often spoke fondly of his time there and the lasting friendships he developed.

Jeff and Mary Alice were blessed with three daughters, who were the absolute loves of his life. He often joked about being surrounded by women, even their pets were all female, and he considered himself truly fortunate to be surrounded by so much love.

Tall in stature, Jeff's warm and inviting personality ensured he always stood out. His lifelong love of basketball began in childhood, earning him a scholarship offer in high school. He was a devoted fan of the UNC Tarheels, and watching their games was a sacred ritual not to be disturbed. Beyond basketball, Jeff enjoyed camping across North Carolina, photography, sailing, scuba diving, and contributing to land and wildlife preservation. Later in life, he delved into genealogy, tracing his family lineage back to the 1600s, and found great camaraderie in his bowling league partners. Jeff also loved reading, especially thrillers. Above all, he treasured spending time with his daughters and encouraged them to pursue their own passions.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Alice; his three daughters, Mary Elizabeth Brunstetter (Pete), Caroline George (Rob), and Allison Shaub (Chris); and six grandchildren: Olivia Brunstetter, Sadie Brunstetter, Eisley George, Eli George, Isla George, and Knox Shaub. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Ferguson, and his brother-in-law Joe Martin (Brenda), who was truly like a brother to him, never missing weekly visits or forgetting the cake and ice cream Jeff so loved.

A special thank you goes to The Hunters, who became lifelong friends with Jeff and Mary Alice during college. Their children also became lifelong friends, creating wonderful memories of vacations together, especially at Bald Head Island. The Hunters provided unwavering support to both Jeff and Mary Alice throughout the progression of his illness, visiting him often during difficult times.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the long-term care facility and its wonderful staff who cared for Jeff. Their laughter and the much-needed breaks they provided from the daily struggles of his disorder were a true comfort.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Voglers in Forsyth Memorial Park at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends following the service.

Jeff would be deeply touched and honored by memorials made to the Parkinson's Foundation, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, or a charity of your choice.