Mr. Otis P. Jefferson Jr.

Otis Paynter Jefferson, Jr. On July 18, 2014, Otis Paynter Jefferson, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Alpharetta, Ga. after a long illness. He is survived by two daughters, Tamara Jefferson Shearer of Roswell, Ga., and Dr. Dana Jefferson of Wilmington, De. and her husband Edwin Tos. Mr. Jefferson had three grandchildren, Emily C. Shearer, Rachel E. Shearer, and Zachary N. Gordon, Esquire and his wife Ariele. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sarah Dunreath Jefferson, his brother, Rev. Kim Jefferson, and his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Otis P. Jefferson, Sr. Mr. Jefferson was a graduate of Juniata College and received his Master’s of Education from The University of Delaware. His began his long career as a decorated Educator in December 1949 as a Social Studies teacher at Laurel High School in Delaware. From there he served in many roles from teacher, coach, and school principal at Millsboro and John M. Clayton in Delaware before beginning his pursuit in higher education. He pioneered the successful University of Delaware’s “Parallel Program” on Community College Campuses. He was appointed Dean of this program in 1966 and the first door opened on the southern campus in 1967. Mr. Jefferson retired in 1984 after educating many young and old. Mr. Jefferson was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the Army from 1949 to 1951. He was extremely active and passionate about politics and community affairs. He was a member of many organizations and happily took on the leadership role of President in most that he belonged to including; the Indian River School Board, Lion’s Clubs in both Millsboro, De and Alpharetta, Ga., Phi Delta Kappa (U of D Chapter), Somerby Resident’s Association, Sussex Pines Country Club, and Delaware Retired’s School Personal Association. In addition, he served as the Town Mayor of Dagsboro, Delaware. Mr. Jefferson was an active member of the Alpharetta United Methodist Church, the Serendipity Sunday School Class and was a previous member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Dagsboro, Delaware. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to: Lions Clubs International Foundation, attn: Department 4547 Carol Stream, Illinois 60122-4547 or online at https://www.lcif.org/EN/ways-to-give/lion-memory-honor-donation.php. A memorial service will be held at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2 PM. Cremated remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson will be laid to rest in Prince George’s Chapel Cemetery, Dagsboro, Delaware in the spring.

Mr. Otis P. Jefferson Jr.

December 21, 1928 - July 18, 2014