David April of “The Gospel Train” reports on John Jefferson’s Homegoing

The following is from David April, Host of “The Gospel Train,” which airs Tuesdays, 7-10 PM on WRDV-FM & WLBS-FM (89.3 Warminster/107.3 Philadelphia and 107.9 Bensalem/91.9 Levittown. Jefferson is best known for his bass singing with the Sensational Nightingales.
— TBGB

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I attended John Jefferson’s Going Home Service and thought I would share with you his obituary. It was an honor and privilege for me to be able to pay my respects to one of the great basses of gospel.

John Jefferson’s Obituary

John Jefferson known as “Jeff” was born March 30, 1926 in Madison, Georgia to the late Jeff Jefferson and Winnie Jefferson. He departed this life on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at John F. Kennedy Hospital in Washington Township, New Jersey.

John attended Elementary and Secondary schools in the Madison County School System where he was educated.

From the earliest days of his life, John began to touch lives with his extraordinary bass voice. He joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, was baptized and accepted Christ into his life.

After relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John became a member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon.

He joined a local gospel group and continued to sing within this Metropolitan area.

In 1942 he was discovered by the legendary Sensational Nightingales. This incredible opportunity allowed him to sing the gospel and travel all around the world touching the hearts and souls of many people. John loved the Lord and was not ashamed to witness to God’s people about His Goodness. John Jefferson was known to be one of the greatest bass singers in his era. Everyone who came in contact with his warm personality and calm spirit will never forget him.

In 1956, John met the love of his life, Emma Claitt. On January 3, 1957 they were united in holy matrimony. To this union three children were born, Jeffrey, Lisa and Robin. Prior to his marriage to Emma, he had two other lovely children, Elinda and Ronnie. John was a devoted, loving and caring father; his love, wisdom and knowledge was affectionately given to his wife, children, grands, nieces, and nephews.

After retiring from the Sensational Nightingales, John returned home and later joined and sang with Garnett Mimms and The Gainors & The Huff Singers. Before retiring completely from singing, John formed his own singing group called The Spiritualaires.

Remaining to cherish John’s memory is: his devoted and loving wife, Emma Jefferson; five children, Elinda Jefferson-Dantzler, Ronnie Hill, Jeffrey Jefferson, Lisa Rhodan and Robin Jefferson; two daughters-in-law, Wilhelmenia Hill and Fatimah Jefferson; son-in-law, Willis Rhodan; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, one great niece, Yvonne Jefferson, one sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, one godchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other beloved relatives, Faith and Cyrus Hampton; two dearly devoted friends, John McDuffy “Jazzy” and Earl Little.