Dennis Alyn Jefferson

Dennis Alyn Jefferson, of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, was born on November 1, 1972, to the late James and Betty Jefferson, the youngest of five children. He passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2024. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, James and Betty Jefferson; sister, Sylvia Thompson; and niece, Bridgette Lyons.

From the very beginning, Dennis has always been spirited, creative, and adventurous. He grew up loving animals, music, and cooking. While he attended elementary and middle school in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Dennis attended Lutheran East, a private high school in Cleveland Heights. After graduation, Dennis headed to New York City to attend the renowned Culinary Institute of America where his passion for cooking was cemented. Next, Dennis moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a veterinary technician where his love for animals was furthered. Several years later, Dennis moved back to Cleveland, where he worked as an assistant at Betty’s Daycare, one of his mother’s many entrepreneurial ventures. In later life, he loved being an uncle, especially to his youngest nephew, Emory, as well as being a “dog dad” to his two beloved toy poodles, Cardinal and Powder, whom he affectionately called, “Dummie” and “Stupid.”

While in good health, Dennis was incredibly active; he loved biking and rollerblading for miles upon miles. He also enjoyed hosting parties—and being the life of the party, himself. Even when his health began to decline, Dennis kept the life of the party going with his many phone calls to family and friends, when he inevitably said his famous line: “I’m not the one to gossip, but …” For his entire life, Dennis continued in his love of music, with his headphones on while biking or skating, or with music playing LOUDLY on the speakers at home—or even on his wireless speaker at family gatherings. His favorite genre was classical music, including a particular affinity for opera; his favorite song was "Il dolce suono” (“The Sweet Sound”) from the opera, Lucia di Lammermoor. His creativity knew no bounds, and he possessed a special talent for the visual art of calligraphy. In adulthood, Dennis also grew a love for African ancestry, which he expressed in his attire and home décor.

He leaves to cherish his memory his partner, Eric Black, as well as his siblings, BeNita (Fred) Martinez of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and James (LaTreese) Jefferson Jr. and Lynda Jefferson, both of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Dennis also leaves to cherish his memory his aunts and uncles, Joyce Norton of San Antonio, Texas, and Jacqueline (John) Cuby and Michael (Linda) Bradley, both of Louisville, Kentucky; nieces JaNette (Ann) Barnett of Wilmette, Illinois, and nephews Henry Lyons (Belinda Wallace) of Euclid, Ohio, Barry “Sax” Thompson of Cleveland, Ohio, James (Shanette) Ricks of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Kayron Purdie of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jess Martinez of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and his special, lifelong friend, Rashad Asaad, of Cleveland, Ohio. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins to cherish his memory.

There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Dennis at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home (13201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44112) on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. A repast for family and friends will take place at the home of Eric Black (19305 Ridgewood Avenue, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44122), following the service at 5 p.m. A private interment will occur at a later date.