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Gregory Jefferson Obituary
1956 - 2021
Gregory Alfred Jefferson, age, 64, of Columbus, died peacefully on January 7, with his family at his side as he transitioned into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. He loved and cared deeply for his family, friends, and community, especially the young people he was blessed to serve through his work. Preceded in death by parents Dr. Alfred and Gloria Jefferson. Survived by son, Brandon; sister, Karen (Dr. Gregory) Morrison; and brother, Bryan Jefferson; nephew, Aaron Capel; nieces, Sarah and Blaire Morrison; and great-niece, Aryiana Capel; special cousins, Elizabeth Albury and Renee Wilson; special friends, John and Angela Dawson; and other special relatives. Graduate of Bishop Hartley High School, received his Bachelor's in Business Administration at Fisk University (Nashville, TN), and received his Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from The Ohio State University. He walked a righteous path as an unconditional community advocate with more than 25 years' experience mentoring youth and adults. Some of his past achievements at the Ohio Department of Youth Services include being selected Employee of the Year and being inducted into Who's Who of Professional Managers. Greg proudly served as the CEO of Community for New Directions since 2007. At CND, he served thousands of youth and families. Through his impactful leadership, he helped youth identify critical pathways to education, opportunity, and success. Faithful member of First Church of God and volunteered with various ministries in the church. Family will receive friends 10am-12noon Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr., where a funeral service will be at 12noon. Bishop Timothy J. Clarke officiating. The funeral will be livestreamed at www.Schoedinger.com. GUESTS ARE RESPECTFULLY ASKED TO WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gregory A. Jefferson Scholarship Fund at Community for New Directions, 2323 W 5th Ave., #160, Columbus, OH 43204, or at http://cndonline.org/donate/ in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Schoedinger.com. We are inspired by him and comforted in knowing that he is at peace and reunited with our dear mother and father in Heaven.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Jefferson
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Rick Morris
July 18, 2025
Greg was very good friend with a big HEART!
Darrel Gibson
February 5, 2021
Just learning of Greg's passing and I wanted to offer my deepest condolences to his family. Greg and I had the great pleasure to meet through a contract he offered me to provide professional services to CND. During our working partnership we developed a mutual appreciate for the work each other performed. I appreciated getting to know the passion Greg had for the people and the work he did to better the lives of those CND served. He was a dedicated servant and left an incredible legacy of service and love to anyone who would cross his path. Rest well my friend.
Regina Dudley
January 17, 2021
First and foremost, my sincerest prayers are with Greg's family, friends and co-workers. I belatedly learned of his passing and my heart and spirit are saddened by the news. Greg and I go back 30+ plus years, as members of Northside Church of God. He was always one you could count on as an encourager, confidant and friend, always greeting you with a smile, which will be missed. And although time and life's different directions separated the personal interactions, he remained the same approachable person throughout the tears, greeting with that huge smile whenever we would run into each other. I know words are not adequate enough to ease your pain, but please know that continued prayer will lift you......... in time
Twania Harbour
January 17, 2021
I am saddened to hear that you’re gone. We have known one another for over 20 years. Working with you and trainings we attended at Ohio Dept. of Youth Services. You were an inspiration and a joy to work with. While you have gone on to be with our Lord, you have left a footnote in all who knew you! Rest easy now and we will all see you again.
Wanda Dillard
January 15, 2021
My condolences to Karen and the Jefferson Family. Greg was a such a kind and graceful person. I enjoyed our conversations. Rest in God's loving arms.
Jocelyn Brown Smith
January 14, 2021
My condolences to the Jefferson family, Greg was kind and thoughtful.
W. Carlton Weddington
January 12, 2021
Thinking of The Jefferson family in these difficult times and sending love and peace
Andre Hill
January 12, 2021
My sincerest condolences. Greg was an incredible person. Every-time I was around him he always had the best energy. He will never be forgotten.
- Andre Hill
Nathaniel D. Jordan II
January 12, 2021
Greg was not only a good friend but a good teacher. When I retired from corporate America I was new to the nonprofit world and community service. Greg took me under his wing and taught me how to navigate and be successful in this environment. I truly appreciate the love he showed me.
Lisa
January 11, 2021
Gregory was a stand up , kind, powerful and a gentleman. Thank you for all you have given to your community. You will be missed but never forgottenJob Well Done
RIH:((❤
Sending condolences to the entire family
Dawn Thomas
January 11, 2021
I would like to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Greg Jefferson. I met Greg as he served on the statewide Strategic Prevention Framework Advisory Committee for 10 years! He helped so many young people and many of Ohio's communities throughout his career with his encouragement and support. He has always been there to provide help within the field of behavioral health no matter what the ask. I am humbled to have had an opportunity to work with him. I will continue to lift his family, friends and colleagues in prayer. God rest his soul!
Tracee Clayton Garrett
January 11, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson
January 11, 2021
Greg Jefferson was an amazing advocate for the people of Central Ohio in prevention of behavioral health disorders and health and wellbeing overall. As a person who cared, his go-to response to requests was "Yes!" Greg's knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism and ongoing work as a prevention champion will be sadly missed. So sorry for this loss to so many.
Keith Walker
January 10, 2021
Greg was truly a great and genuine guy. He inspired many people through his life time. As a childhood friend I will miss him a great deal. He asked me to come work for him, three years ago and I'm glad I did. Working for CND has been an new experience in my life. Farewell my old friend, you will be missed.
Keith Walker
January 10, 2021
Greg was truly a great and genuine guy. He inspired many people through his life time. As a childhood friend I will miss him a great deal. He asked me to come work for him, three years ago and I'm glad I did. Working for CND has been an new experience in my life. Farewell my old friend, you will be missed.
Carol Hayden
January 10, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Joyce Jefferson Williams & Joy C. Williams
January 10, 2021
Bryan, Karen, Vickey, and Brandon,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of our beloved nephew and cousin Greg. May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of joyful times you spent together as you celebrate a life well lived. We are saddened to hear the news about Greg. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Aunt Joyce Jefferson Williams and Cousin Joy C. Williams
California family
Randreya E. Goodman
January 10, 2021
I would like to extend my condolences to the Jefferson family in the loss of their beloved brother. May God give you strength during this time. Earth has no sorrow that God cannot heal.
Jennifer Jordan
January 9, 2021
To the Family of Mr. Gregory Jefferson,
Friends of Art for Community Enrichment extends our sincere condolences to you. Mr. Jefferson has been a Champion in the community for many years. I, personally, have had the pleasure to share and exchange ideas regarding the needs of our City with Mr. Jefferson. Although Mr. Jefferson will be missed, his legacy lives on in the seeds that he has planted.
We are praying with and for you.
With Love,
Friends of Art for Community Enrichment
Jennifer Jordan
Jerry Revish
January 9, 2021
I am heart-broken over the loss of this great community servant. Greg's work with at-risk youth in Columbus was nothing short of spectacular. I had the pleasure of doing several news stories about his compelling work at CND along with serving as emcee for several of the Center's awards luncheons. I'll never forget the sense of pride I saw on the faces of those teens as Greg's team honor them for their accomplishments. Greg Jefferson performed life-changing work in communities across this city. I was blessed to witness just some of it.
Reina
January 9, 2021
The Sims family sends our love and prayer to Karen Morrison and her entire family for comfort and peace. You have our deepest condolences. Lord bless you all.
Valerie Wardlaw
January 9, 2021
Dear Karen, May God bless you and your family and comfort you as only He can. Rest In Peace dear Gregory.
dee miller
January 9, 2021
In loving memory of a great friend I have fond memories at Fisk University.
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