Jonathan Grant Jefferies, 84, and Willadine Pierce Jefferies, 83, were a rare couple. Married 61 years, they died within days of one another. John Jefferies went to be with the Lord on Nov 23, 2016. Two days later Willadine entered hospice and died on Nov. 29, 2016. The couple were married on Nov. 21, 1955 at First Baptist Church of Palmetto. Their courtship began as John recovered from breaking his back while serving in the U.S Navy as a mechanic. Willadine visited him in the VA hospital and admired John's strength, perseverance and attitude. To honor her weekly treks across Tampa Bay to the hospital, John proposed to her at the top of the Skyway Bridge. John Jefferies, a talented mechanic with an ability to fix almost anything, owned Jefferies Service Center in Bradenton. After a short retirement, during which the couple traveled, he returned to work at Harllee Packing, Inc. as a mechanic. Willadine Jefferies of Palmetto taught first grade and reading at Palmetto Elementary for 26 years. John was born July, 24, 1932 in Bradenton and graduated from Manatee High School. Willadine was born Dec. 2, 1932 in Palmetto and graduated from Palmetto High School. She earned her teaching degree at Florida State University. The couple were lifelong members of First Baptist Church of Palmetto where they were active with Sunday School and with youth groups. They are survived by their two sons Grant (Toni) of Bradenton and David of Palmetto, their grandchildren, Jonathon of Palmetto and Laurie (Eric) Voight of Bradenton and two great grandchildren. John's brother Edward (Kay) of Tallahassee and his sister Louise Allerton (Tom) of Altamonte Springs. Willadine was predeceased by her sister Virginia Pierce. Visitation and services for the couple will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Palmetto. Memorial do-nations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.michaeljfox.org.
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They were Awesome folk's,she was a teacher of mine and also other family members,We were Blessed with them
Ada Shiver McPherson
December 4, 2017
Our sincere condolences to family and friends
Manatee High School Alumni Association
December 14, 2016
They will be greatly missed and eternally loved.
David Foster
December 7, 2016
I will never forget this amazing couple! I've never known anyone as kind hearted & loving as Johnny & Willy..... They will have a special place in my heart forever!!! The world needs more people like the two of them.... May they truly R.I.P.....
Dawn Ford
December 6, 2016
Grant and David, your mama & daddy were extraordinary, nothing less! I will always cherish the moments I got to share with them each Week! They so reminded me of my precious parents! You boys were SO LOVED!! In HIS HANDS, RITA SELL
December 6, 2016
Our prayers to you both, David and Grant. They were a very special couple.
Nancy and Jerome Carter
December 4, 2016
Mrs. Jefferies was my first grade teacher and made a big impression on me. She was also great friends with my grandmother Sara Ballard who worked in the lunchroom for many years. She will be greatly missed by the many students she taught over the years.
Daryl Painter
December 4, 2016
Grant and David I am so sorry to hear about them passing they were loved by many of us they will be missed God Bless your family
Elizabeth Higgins Summeralls
December 4, 2016
I loved your mom and dad....always smiling when I talked to them...I will greatly miss them. Praying for all the friends and family whose lives they touched and may you have peace and comfort and treasure the memories.
Dianne Chesnut
December 4, 2016
Oh my goodness Grant and David! What dear and very special folks! Always will love them both. Our great loss here on earth is definitely a great gain in heaven. May the Lord's Presence be very real to your family during these coming days, granting you strength, peace, and courage. Love to you both!
Dave and Barbara Olson, Cleveland, TN
December 4, 2016
Grant,
We were so sorry to learn first of your father's passing and then when your mother went into the hospice it was too sad for words. They were fine people and we always enjoyed the time we spent with them. Please accept our condolences.
Bob & Gayle LoPiccolo
December 4, 2016
Grant and David, I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy for the eternal love between your parents and that they are still together. Please know all of the Virginia family is here for you. Love, Tori
Torena Bar
December 3, 2016
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