Alfred Blair Jefferson

JEFFERSON Alfred Blair Jefferson, retired physician, passed away peacefully on Friday June 10, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. As a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, primarily on the staff of Grant and St. Ann's Hospitals, he served the central Ohio community for over 45 years and delivered over 12,000 babies. He was always guided by a personal mission to provide medical care for all women regardless of their circumstances. Dr. Jefferson was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, April 13, 1929, son of the late Mifflin and Iantha (Leftwich) Jefferson. He graduated with honors from Portsmouth High School and Magna Cum Laude from Ohio University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He completed post Baccalaureate training at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1955, he received the Doctorate of Medicine (M.D.) from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, distinguished with honors graduating Summa Cum Laude and being awarded the highest academic honor in medical school, the "Gold Key" for placing first in his class during each of the four consecutive years. Dr. Jefferson was the first African American to be accepted into the medical internship program at The Ohio State University. Following his internship, Alfred served three years as Captain in the United States Air Force. Subsequently, he was the first African American to be accepted into a residency program at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan where he completed his training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. "Al" as he was affectionately called, met his wife, Gloria Pullom, while students at Meharry, and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage and three children. He was preceded in death by two brothers Dr. Bernard M. Jefferson and Herbert Jefferson. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Gregory (Vickey) and Bryan; and daughter, Karen J. Morrison Esq. (Dr. Gregory Morrison). "Papa" leaves four grandchildren to cherish the memories, Aaron, Sarah, Blaire, and Brandon. Also survived by his sister, Joyce Williams of Los Angeles, CA; nephews, Bernard A. Jefferson Esq. and Kenneth Jefferson; two nieces, Dr. Kathy Jefferson and Joy Williams Esq.; and special cousins, Betty Thompson, Elizabeth Albury and Vernell Braxton. As a community servant, he received numerous awards from the central Ohio community for both his professional and civic contributions. He was a member of the National Medical Association, American Medical Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Boule (Lambda Chapter), American College of OB/GYN, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy, Columbus Medical Association, The Ohio State Alumni Association, The Medical Group of Ohio and many other civic and social organizations. He loved his family, his job, reading, traveling, tennis and swimming. He enjoyed his winters spent with good friends in Florida. You won't find another "Al" -he was one of a kind. This kind, gentle man will be deeply missed. The Family will receive friends from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL, 229 East State Street, where there will be special services at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at St. Joseph Cathedra, 212 East Broad Street. Very Reverend G. Michael Gribble Celebrant. Entombment in the Chapel of Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alfred B. Jefferson Fund at the Columbus Foundation at 1234 East Broad Street- Columbus, Ohio 43203 to provide scholarships, or to the OhioHealth Foundation Medical Education Fund, 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus Ohio 43215, in his memory. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.Schoedinger.com.