1950 – 2012

CHICAGO — Services for Roger Jefferson, of Bellwood, Ill., formerly of Natchez, were Saturday, June 2, 2012, at New St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago with the Rev. Daniel X. Smith officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Fountain Jordan-Shepard Funeral Home in Chicago.

Mr. Jefferson was born in Adams County, the son of Dave Jefferson and Janie Bell Jackson Jefferson.

He attended Painters and Brumfield Elementary Schools, Anchorage Junior High School and was a 1968 graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School.

He moved to Chicago in 1973. He was employed by International Paper Company.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leroy Jefferson; and his mother-in-law.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 34 years, April Lewis Morris Jefferson; four daughters, Cathy Belton of Natchez, Rachale Lewis of Addison, Ill., Darcell Layton and husband, Frank, of Bellwood and Sonja Priscilla Morris of Hartford, Wis.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four brothers, Emmett Jefferson and wife, Betty, Tyrone Jefferson, all of Natchez, Dave Jefferson and wife, Exeleana, of Broadview, Ill., and Jimmie Jefferson of Addison; two sisters, Rosie Isaac and husband, Cornelius, and Gloria Belton, all of Natchez; two uncles, Dan Jackson of Natchez and Emmett Payne of Detroit; four sisters-in-law, Veronica, Joyce, Elizabeth and Josie Mae; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Roger will be greatly missed.