Sidney Jefferson

Rev. Dr. Sidney Jefferson, Ill Rev. Dr. Sidney Jefferson, Il l , (a.k.a. Buddy, Jeff) was born June 28, 1941. He made his transition on Friday, November 13, 2020. He was the second child born to the late Sidney Jefferson, Jr. and Dorothy Stratton. His parents his oldest sister Delores and younger brother Roy both preceded him in death. He was born and raised in South Philadelphia by his loving grandfather. Sidney attended the Philadelphia Public School System and after completion of high school, he served six years in the United States Marine Corp. After Sidney returned home from the Marines he worked various jobs but retired after 31 years as a supervisor at the Budd Company. It was there that he met Rev. W.S. Richardson who would become his supervisor, his friend, his mentor and his brother in Christ. It was Rev. Richardson who witnessed to him and in 1975, Sidney accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of Calvary Baptist Church at 655 N. 16th St., under the pastorate of then Rev. Anthony Floyd. While a member of Calvary he, served with various ministries including the Evangelism Team, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, the Choir and anywhere he was needed. Along with his friends and brothers in Christ, Deacon Al Duncan and Rev. Larry Tyler, they formed the Voices of Calvary. They sang a cappella and were known for their powerful voices and spirit filled concerts as they sang across the city, giving praise to God. Sidney loved the Lord and took his relationship seriously, so he enrolled in Manna Bible Institute. It was during his time in Manna, and long days and nights of fasting that Sidney recognized and accepted his call to the ministry. Rev. Jefferson preached his initial sermon in June 1982, entitled "The Mighty Burner." and graduated from Manna Bible Institute in May, 1984. He was ordained in June 1985 at 2nd Timothy Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Louis Graham. During the time of his spiritual growth, the Lord allowed his personal life to grow also. In 1979 at the home of his cousin Marilyn McCray, he would meet Brenda J. Knuckles, the woman who would become his friend, lover, confident, secretary, wife, mother to his children. On April 28, 1984 the two became one. The Lord blessed them with thirty six years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Sidney Jefferson, IV and Marie Joy Jefferson. Anyone who knew him, knew he loved his family and the Lord allowed him to bean excellent provider, head of his home. He loved holidays and he loved making them special for his family. He was the Santa Claus in his home, he would tell his family, he wasn't going to let Santa Claus get the credit for something God's was blessing him to do. It gave him joy to see his family happy. In 1991 , Rev. Jefferson became the Assistant Pastor at 2nd Timothy Tabernacle Baptist Church where he served from 1991 to 1994. In 1994, the Lord allowed the membership of Winnfield Baptist Church to offer him the pastor ship, and in August, 1994, Rev. Sidney Jefferson, Ill became the pastor of Winnfield Baptist Church. Pastor Jefferson loved his church family and worked hard to help the church be the church God would be coming back for . (A churchly without spot or wrinkle). During his time as pastor, as the membership changed, he realized his need to change also, so he enrolled in Faith Bible College and Seminary where he received his B.A. Degree, his Master's Degree and his Doctoral Degree. He shared each graduation with any of the members who wanted to attend. He always encouraged them to learn more about the Lord. He was proud to be their pastor and wanted them to be proud of him. He also served as Associate Dean of Faith Bible College and Seminary with an extension program at Winnfield Baptist Church where he had 6 students to complete and receive their degrees. Pastor Jefferson served faithfully for 25 years, teaching and preaching God's Word. During those years he developed some health challenges and because of this in October, 2019 the Lord blessed him to retire. The church blessed and bestowed upon him the honor and title of Pastor Emeritus Pastor. Jefferson was also a proud member of the Evening Baptist Ministers' Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity for over 25 years. He served as Recording Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President and Counselor. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, the Missionary Baptist Pastor's Conference and the Black Clergy. His community involvement included being a member of the Weed & Seed Program of Bristol, PA. and he is was also the Divisional Inspector of the South West Division of the Philadelphia Police Clergy. Rev. Dr. Sidney Jefferson, Ill loved the Lord, his family and he loved to laugh, and have a good time. He loved seeing others happy and he was always willing to help others. He was good for being the first when it came to giving. He will always be remembered for his wonderful July 4th celebrations. Rev. Dr. Sidney Jefferson, Ill, leaves precious memories and a legacy of love that will neveo be replaced to his loving and devoted wife Brenda, his blessed and proud children, Deacon Sidney Jefferson, IV, Marie Joy Jefferson and Darnell Little, two grandboys that he raised from birth Emanuel David and Isaiah Daniel Jefferson. Grand children Audrey and Darnell Little, 6 great grand children; 2 loving nephews Jason Jefferson, and Dr. Roy Jefferson (Neicey), cousins who they grew up like brothers and sisters. His pastor, brother and friend Bishop Boyce Jordan, Jr. (Margaret), his sons in the ministry, Rev. Tony Wilburn (Twyla), and Rev. Tyrone Jordan(Paula), last but certainly not least his Winnfield Baptist Church family.