Gerald "Jerry" Jude Jefferson

Gerald Jude Jefferson, called Jerry by his friends and family, and Jeff or Chief by his military family, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 27th 1941. Jerry was the third child born to Coleman and Elsie Jefferson. He is preceded in death by his older brother, Harold (Malvina), baby girl Jefferson who died shortly after birth, and younger brother, Raymond (Miriam).

As a child he enjoyed gardening with his maternal grandmother, Ernestine Humphries, collecting baseball cards, and listening to Westerns on the radio. He was industrious from a young age-mowing lawns, picking up groceries on his bike for neighbors, and working at the local grocery store. Some of his favorite childhood memories were picking fruit from the neighborhood trees, going for rides in his Uncle Edwin’s truck, and a train trip to his Uncle Benjamin’s for the summer in Mississippi.

He left Louisiana in 1961 to join the Air Force. While stationed in Germany he enjoyed traveling all over Europe, especially Amsterdam. His next assignment was to Greece where he met the love of his life of 54 years, Nana. They started off married life in Maryland. They had two children, Rosie and Jerry, whom they dedicated their lives to raising. From volunteering at school, to Girl and Boy Scouts, basketball, baseball and softball games, ballet recitals, and having kids over for sleepovers, they were always involved.

After not graduating from high school, he was extremely proud of his Bachelors degree with honors from the University of Maryland, and learning to read and speak Greek fluently. Dad liked to stay busy-he played softball, enjoyed bowling, and loved to shoot pool. You could always find him doing something while listening to his beloved jazz and blues.

After retiring in 1991, he had more time to tend to his garden-he grew the best tomatoes, got even better at pool, and read books about his sports heroes like Willie Moscone, Josh Gibson, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson, while listening to Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, and Thelonious Monk. He grew bored staying home, and missed traveling, so he combined the two and became a long haul driver. He loved seeing all the different states, listening to music and audiobooks, and sending postcards home from wherever he went.

In 2002 Jerry and Nana went back to Greece where it all started. They bought their forever home and were enjoying the fruits of their labor. They took vacations to different Greek islands, went to the gym daily, and had lots of outings with family and friends. They loved hosting their kids and grandkids for summer vacations, Jerry had a weekly pool shooting date with friends, and he had the most beautiful plants all over the balcony. He was finally enjoying retirement as he continued to enjoy reading, music, and a quiet life with Nana.

His life changed in 2010 when Nana had a stroke and lost her eyesight. Overnight he became her caretaker, her eyes, and her biggest cheerleader. He became more proficient at cooking, cleaning, shopping, giving medication, and doing everything for the two of them. In 2015 they moved back to California so the kids and grandkids could help him care for Nana.

Another huge change came in 2018 when he was diagnosed with dementia. The first few years weren’t too bad, but in 2020 it became worse. Despite his diagnosis and difficulties, he continued to want to be helpful and care for Nana. The last two years of his life were difficult for this brilliant, articulate man who was oftentimes so confused. His love of music never waned, and just hearing the opening tune knew the song. His final birthday was one of his best ever as he got to listen to a live band play his favorite oldies.

He went to be with his Heavenly Father peacefully in his favorite chair on September 1st, 2022. His beloved Nana, kids Rosie and Jerry (Serena), grandkids Anneliese, (Fernando), Jason and Jasmine will miss and love him forever.

Rest In Peace Dad, you were the best.

Gerald "Jerry" Jude Jefferson, age 81, of Riverside, California passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Jerry was born July 27, 1941 in New Orleans, LA.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Friday, October 7, 2022 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504.

A funeral service will occur Friday, October 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504.

A graveside service will occur Friday, October 7, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.

A memorial reception will immediately follow at Benedict Castle in Riverside at 5445 Chicago Avenue, Riverside CA 92507.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Jefferson family.