Earnest Lee Jefferson

Earnest Lee “Jeff” Jefferson Jr was born on May 14, 1941 in the small town of Fulton Arkansas to the union of Earnest Lee Jefferson Sr and Reathea . Earnest was the oldest of two children. At an early age his parents move to Venice California. While he resided in Venice he attended West Minster Avenue Elementary School, Mark Twain Jr High School, and Venice High School where he graduated in 1960. He earned many awards, played football, served on the Boy League as the Vice President. Earnest attended Santa Monica College where he was also involved in various student community groups, played football, and earned several awards.

At an early age he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his life. It was then with a long conversation with his mother and talks with the Lord that he would decide to become a minister. From there Earnest went to Loyola Marymount University and received his degree in ministry, thus becoming a Reverend by the age of 20. He ministered at New Bethel Baptist and Second Community Baptist Church.

On April 9, 1960 Earnest “Jeff” Jefferson married Carolyn Ann Phillips at his parents’ home in Venice California. From that union came four children; Bruce Edward Jefferson, Ernestine Marie Jefferson, William Henry Jefferson and Earnest Lee Jefferson III. While living in Venice Earnest was a part of Project Action in the mid-60s which detailed getting a proposal and funding for the Venice area for housing development and jobs for the youth. He worked on getting and receiving support for Santa Monica Pacific Palisades and Malibu for Project Action around 1967. He helped in getting Delta Sigma Theta Head Start funding started. While as a minister Earnest had held various jobs; Insurance agent, had his own businesses: one was running a Malt Shop which hosted the Venice Teen Center, and helped others start their own businesses.

Later in life he moved to Carson, California to work at Don Kott Ford as a fleet manager. In Carson he became very involved with the city by serving on the city council. He was a member in the City of Carson’s Relocating Board in 1997, and the Human Relation Commissioner in 1999. In 2000 he became Public Safety Commissioner where he served diligently until he became terminally ill in 2016.

In October 18, 2008 Earnest “Jeff” Jefferson married Esperanza Hizon in Clark County, Nevada. Out of this union came two beautiful children Jernezsa Jefferson and Jhameil Shawn Jefferson.

Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, family gatherings, walks thru the neighborhood, telling stories about sports (football, basketball and baseball). Most of all he was very outgoing when meeting and talking with people along the way.

Preceding him in death was his father Earnest, mother Reathea, a brother, mother-in-law Hizon and grandson Calvin Edwards. He leaves to cherish in his loving memory his wife Esperanza “Espie” Hizon-Jefferson. Six children: sons Bruce, William, Earnest Lee, Jhameil, two daughters Ernestine and Jernezsa. Father-in-law, brother-in-law, 3 daughters-in-law; Allyson, Shriley and Sharrone Jefferson., a host of grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, two expecting great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401