Jefferson, Joshua Lee Jr. (Age 82) of Clinton, Maryland

A Life Well Lived

"I have fought a good life, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith" – 2 Timothy 4:7

Ecclesiastes 3:1  "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven".

A time to be born ... In Emporia, VA, on August 3, 1940, Joshua Lee and Theresa Alice Jefferson were blessed with four boys and one girl.  Joshua L. Jefferson, Jr. was the oldest of five children.

A time for eternal rest …On Sunday March 5, 2023 after a year long illness, Joshua while at home entered into eternal rest. He decided to depart his earthly vessel while resting comfortably.

A time to serve his country …Joshua served honorably in the Army and the National Guard for six years.  He was on duty in Washington, DC during the time of the civil rights riots and the death of Martin Luther King Jr.  He earned a medal for Sharpshooter.

A time to learn …Joshua completed his early education in the public schools in Emporia, VA.  He graduated from Wyatt High School in 1958.  Afterward he attended Virginia State University and later Howard University to further his career goals.

A time to love …Joshua was married to Ann M. Minor and from that union they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Monique and Monica.  He was a remarkable provider for his family and he loved his girls unconditionally. They divorced amicably after 25 years of raising their family.

Sometime later, Joshua while at the bowling alley met the charismatic Gloria Bransome.  There was an immediate connection that led to a warm romance.  Gloria and Joshua were wed February 17 ^th , 1995. They were married for the past 28 years.  From this union, Joshua gained two step-children, Tyson and Kim.

A time to work …Joshua had an outstanding work career.  He served the United States federal government for 36 years.  Over the years, he worked for

• The United States Postal Service
• The National Institutes of Health
• The National Audio-Visual Center
• The General Services Administration
• The National Labor Relations Board

During his outstanding career, he received many awards for his expertise in computer science and analysis.

He retired in 1998 and in post-retirement he worked for

• Prince Georges County as a School Bus Driver
• Southeast Academy Charter School as a Teacher Assistant

A time to enter the Lord's service …Joshua accepted Christ at an early age in Emporia VA. He was baptized at Royal Baptist Church and attended church faithfully participating in church activities. When he left Emporia and relocated to Washington, DC, he united with Trinidad Baptist Church.  As a faithful member, he emersed himself in the many ministries and activities including:

• An officer on the Usher Ministry
• A member of the Personnel Committee
• An Instructor for the K-12 Awana Program
• A leader in the Christian Drama Ministry

A time to serve the community …Joshua gave of himself and his service to others.  He performed tasks that related to children, the elderly, and the homeless.  He was the Dispersing Officer for The Friends Investment Group.  They entertained in senior citizens residences including the Stoddart Baptist Home. They also frequently fed and clothed the homeless.  He worked with children for many years as a chaperone.  He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP, traveled often for conventions while serving as Treasurer and on the Eduction Committee.

A time to live and laugh …Joshua enjoyed people and having a fun time.  He spent more than 40 years as part of "The Group", which was comprised of 20 people whose philosophy was to give of self because they had been blessed.  He served in various offices in "The Group" that included Chairperson, Treasurer, and Chaplain.  They traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico.

He had an infectious laugh and a joy for life.  He was always available to lend a helping hand and most notably campaigned for Barrack Obama during his first run for president.  He loved to travel, party, and participate in sporting events.  He even had season tickets to the Redskins.  He stayed active by dancing, golfing, and bowling.

A time to heal …Joshua had persistent health issues over the years, however he was blessed to be of sound mind and body until this past year when his health began to decline.

A time to mourn …He was preceded in death by his parents Theresa and Joshua Jefferson, Sr,  two brothers Stevie and Alonza "Lonnie", and sister-in-law Elaine.  He leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife of 28 years Gloria; two daughters, Monique Downs (Robert) and Monica Ciskowski (Greg); two step-children, Kim Bransome and Tyson Bransome, two granddaughters, Peyton Roper and Gabrielle Downs; one great granddaughter Kyanna Blackman; brother Nathaniel Jefferson; sister Frances Wyche and brother-in-law Michael; sister-in-law Marie; Godsons Anthony and Antwan Griffin and Justin Jefferson; paternal aunt Mozelle Tyler; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and loved ones including his childhood friend Kapin Ferguson.

His viewing will be held from 9:00am until home going celebration, 11:00am, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Trinidad Baptist Church, 6611 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights MD 20743-4318.  Interment to be determined.