Rev. Bernard Harris Jefferson Sr. passed peacefully on September 12, 2016 in Waterbury, CT. He was born on March 28, 1935 to the late Leonard Jefferson and Ophelia (Harris) Jefferson of Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Jefferson was preceded by death of 2 sisters and 3 brothers; Elmore Jefferson, Harold Jefferson, Carter Randolph Jefferson Sr., Vernelle Jefferson- Bowe, and Marion Jefferson-Wethers.

He was the beloved father of Greta Jefferson-Hickey, Gregory Jefferson Sr. (Donna), Gale Jefferson-Hinson of Waterbury, CT, and Bernard Jefferson Jr. (Marika) of California, and step-daughter Leslie Brown (deceased). His former wives Mary Brown (deceased) and Lillie Jefferson.
He was educated in the Amherst County Public School System. He was raised by his maternal grandparents George and Nina Harris. He was inspired by Carl B. Hutcherson, Sr., and stated how he appreciated his mentorship and guidance in the mortician profession that gave him opportunities to work for different funeral homes throughout his career.
In the 1950's he traveled to Connecticut, and worked on the tobacco farm in Windsor, Connecticut. He held various jobs in the manufacturing business. He retired from Platt & Whitney of East Hartford, Connecticut as a machinist after 25 years of service.
While Rev. Jefferson was in New London, Connecticut, he was ordained as a deacon from Calvary Church of God in Christ. He returned to Virginia and attended Saint Peter Baptist Church and became an ordained minister.
Rev. Jefferson has been known to be a very cheerful and generous man to people he encountered throughout his life. He has prayed and helped many people. Rev. Jefferson had a gift of prayer for healing from our Lord Jesus Christ.
He was courageous to travel with his medical condition and wanted to come back to live among family members to do God's will. He was extraordinary on his journey to trust God with strong faith until the end of his departure. During his time spent in Connecticut he has touched the lives of many people. Especially his nurses, doctors, and caregivers.

Rev. Jefferson leaves 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. He leaves a host of nieces and nephews, other relative and many friends.