John William Jefferson Sr., City of Rehoboth retiree
John “BJ” William Jefferson Sr., 89, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many who loved and cherished him.
BJ was born in Danieltown, Va., Feb. 6, 1935, to the late John Henry and Mattie Sue Jefferson. At 13, William was lovingly sent with a family member to relocate to Delaware, where he lived until his death.
BJ’s work spanned from the Selbyville Lumber Yard to bartending, and he ended his work career as the supervisor for the City of Rehoboth Beach Maintenance Department, where he worked for more than 25 years before retiring.
William had many passions and hobbies. He was an avid baseball player and enjoyed watching it as well. He often took his young children to Philadelphia to watch the Major League games.
Oldies but goodies music was a favorite of his. He was known for making 8-track tapes for many people in the community and was known as the local DJ. When he was relaxing at home, William would spend hours watching old westerns alone or with loved ones. He took great pride in his carpentry work, which skills were highly requested by the City of Rehoboth mayor.
William was a storyteller, and his family and friends enjoyed listening to his stories. He was told he should write a book so those stories would be shared by generations.
Other passions of his were fishing with family and friends, capturing moments through picture taking, and dice rolling on the “corner.”
BJ is gone, but never to be forgotten. He will remain in the hearts and minds of those who loved, respected and cherished him.
In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his sister, Sally V. Jefferson-Speight; son, James Allen Sr.; daughter, Andrena "Pip" Knight, and his special niece, Loretta S. Banks.
William is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Jefferson. Left to cherish his loving memories are his children, Perry McCray (Christine), Paul Allen (Regina), Eric Brown (Margaret), Derwin Brown (Shirley), Tania E. Brown, Jeremy Miller-Williams (Al), John “Duke” Jefferson Jr., Arsemus “A.J." Brown, Keenan A. Brown, Ashley L. Knight and Kelsey Jefferson. He was an adoring stepfather to C.J., Frankie, Gordy and Kasey. He was showered in love by his 21 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at Bennie Smith Funeral Home of Delaware, 717 W. Division St., Dover. A Celebration of Life will follow at Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach.
