W.T. Jeffries

Funeral services for William Thomas “W.T.” Jeffries, who died June 8, 2017, were held Saturday, June 17, at Thomas Persons Hall in Monticello. Burial was in Jeffries Cemetery on Shady Grove Road in Shady Dale.

On February 2, 1923, Mr. Jeffries was born to the late Preston and Lillian Jeffries in Irvington, Ga. William Thomas was the oldest of five children.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, John O’Neil, Thurman Wade, and Alvin Norfleet, as well as a son, Larry Crawford.

W.T. began his education in Irvington public schools. His mother was one of his early school teachers. She was very stern and told him that he’d better remember to call her Mrs. Lillian, during school. In his early 20s, he entered into the U.S. Navy in 1943-1945, receiving an honorable discharge. He continued his education in agriculture training, including raising livestock. W.T. was a successful businessman. He became the manager over his family owned farm with several hired employees.

W.T. worked at the Jasper County school, as a car school driver. He had to drive his own car, making several trips. Eventually, a school bus was put on his route.

He married the woman he loved, Annie C. Rooks, and to this union three children were born—Luvenia, Vernal and Clarice.

In 1960, W.T. left his native Georgia and relocated to Detroit, MI. He was employed at Chevrolet Gear & Axle for 20 years. Later he returned home to care for his mother. Gardening and raising livestock kept him busy.

W.T. was ambitious; he loved life and people. He touched the lives of so many, helping those in need. He was very humorous, always full of jokes and nicknamed all of his friends. W.T. showed remarkable courage and strength throughout his life.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a sister, Velize Elise Jones of Atlanta; his oldest son, Willie (Barbara) Jeffries of Mansfield, OH. The last eight years of his life he was in the loving tender care of his oldest daughter, Luvenia, and his son-in-law, Eugene. W.T. would often tell people that he was treated like a king. Also surviving are daughters, Vernal Darnell (Charles) of Covington and Clarice McLean (Johnnie) of Simpsonville, S.C., his youngest son, Lydell Smith (Tren) of Eatonton; a special cousin, Katherine Daniel of Greer, S.C., a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, 31 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren, and friends.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.