Jeffery Wayne Addison

On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, between dusk and dawn, Jeffery Wayne Addison was embraced by the arms of God, as he was elevated from laborer to reward. As a youth he was a faithful member of the prestigious New Bethel Baptist Church. Jeffery was adopted into the awesome family of God in 1987, when he opened his heart to his incredible Savior Jesus Christ, while he was a member in good standing with Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God Inc. Jeffery, the son of the late Shirley Jean Addison Love and the late Alonza Babe and Ida Lee Pauling, was born in Winston-Salem on May 29, 1961. He was a proud graduate of North Forsyth High School, Class of 1979. Being a strong advocate of higher education, Jeffery attended Winston-Salem State University. He majored in Special Education with a concentration on Learning Disabilities. He was employed with CentrePoint Human Services in Winston-Salem for more than 14 years. In 2000, Jeff relocated to Charlotte. He was employed with Residential Support Services Inc., as a support-service instructor and group home manager. In 2002, Jeff lost kidney function. His majestic God intervened and lengthened his life with the help of dialysis and lots of loving friends. Eager to find a church home in Charlotte, Jeff swiftly associated himself with the family-oriented Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 2003, where the honorable Pastor D.R. Garris is pastor and chief overseer. At Antioch, Jeff was a member of the RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Team) Care Team. In 2002, Jeffery teamed with William A. Fulton, who had a vision to create Brother2Brother Inc. This nonprofit agency addresses health disparities among men of color, linking them to needed support and care services. Jeffery served as the director of the agency and a member of the Board of Advisors. Jeffery was most proud of the opportunity to give back to the community that he called home. He served on many local and state planning boards and groups that advocated for health and wellness. He was often referred to for resource availability for men of color throughout Charlotte, the state of North Carolina and the nation. Jeffery was an irreplaceable friend to many and always had a listening ear and good advice to offer. His love will always be nurtured in the heart of Mitchell D. Billings. His love of life and engaging spirit will linger in the hearts of his sister, Kimberly Humphrey (Jerry, Kourtney, Danny) of Winston-Salem; his two very best friends, Isaiah "Ritzy" Jenkins of Winston-Salem and Valarie Parson of Orlando, Fla.; his extended family at Brother2Brother; his director, Dennis "Tokie" Lee; his goddaughter and niece, Dr. Tanya E. Ashe of Durham; his brothers, Reginald Addison (Barbara) of Durham, Donald Addison (Sophia) of Kuwait; two aunts, Mrs. Doris Lee (Taft) of Los Angeles, Calif., Ms. Mary Shuler of Winston-Salem and Uncle Bro; his godmama Gwendolyn Hairston of Raleigh; godbrother Antonio Hairston and godsister Kathy Mossenburg of Raleigh and Harold Hairston. Jeffery also leaves to celebrate his memory a host of very special friends, nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at noon Thursday at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte. Family visitation will precede the service at 11 a.m. Jeffery will be at Gilmore Funeral Home Service from 2 to 8 p.m. today.