Whitfield was the third of four children born to Annabelle and Napoleon Jeffers. Born in Boston on August 21, 1920, he lived all his life in Medford, MA. He graduated from Medford High in 1940 as a cabinet maker and was inducted into the Armed Forces the same year as a member of the 372nd Infantry Regiment. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and served until 1945. He became the 2nd African American firefighter on the Medford Fire Department where he served for 36 years, and he was fondly known as a “gentleman’s gentleman”.
Whitfield was the devoted husband of the late Norma (Parris) Jeffers for over 30 years. They raised four children including Kathleen, who passed away at an early age. Jeff leaves behind his children Steven Parris and his partner Maria Simon-Joven, Norma Jeanne Baptista and her husband Walter, and Michael Jeffers and his wife Sonia, and his daughter in law, Linda Blandino. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 11 great and 4 great-great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and many friends.
Jeff was a past President of the Men’s Club at Shiloh Baptist Church and an avid volunteer of the West Medford Baptist Church. He was interviewed by Tufts University students and recounted many events in the history of West Medford, which the students published.
Jeff was a passionate Patriots fan, a candlepin bowler, a member of the Burlington Mall Walking Club and a fisherman (who never ate his own catch) but preferred to give it away to friends. His other memberships include: the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (Vulcans), the Shriners and the Free Masons.
Jeff was truly a pillar of his family, his community and the church. He is loved and will be missed by all.
His funeral service will be celebrated in the West Medford Baptist Church, 59 Boston Avenue, West Medford on Monday, May 2, 2016, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend.
Visiting hours will be held in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Sunday, May 1, 2016, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jeff’s name to the West Medford Community Center at 111 Arlington St, Medford, MA 02155. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.