Special Words

As a teen, my Baby Brother Jeff always came running when I walked in the front door. I’d swoop him up in my arms. Eventually, he outgrew me but always made me feel so welcome in his presence. I could always depend on Jeff. Whether I was stranded with no power or on a business trip, he always welcomed me. I will always be indebted to Debra and Jeff for helping my son, Craig Jr get settled when he moved to Maryland. Jeff assisted him in many ways. Jeff even took Craig, Jr to the hospital after he was bitten by a poisonous brown recluse spider. I don’t know what we would have done without Jeff.

– Love your Sister, Myra

My Uncle Jeff and I fundamentally had a lot in common. We were the youngest siblings in a huge family of amazing personalities. Uncle Jeff was the youngest brother of my mom, Myra Jackson. He and I could always relate to being a little bit different. We were reminded by our older siblings that they remembered when we were born, or how we were as little boys. I admired this about Uncle Jeff. I looked up to his hobbies such as his love for motorcycles, knack for grilling the perfect steak, and undeniable appreciation for an awesome movie. When I moved to DC, Uncle Jeff was naturally there for me. Whether it was giving my parents “peace of mind” about where I lived, hosting me for dinner when no one else was there, or taking me to urgent care for a poisonous spider bite, Uncle Jeff never questioned why/how. He was an amazing influence in my life. He just was. And always will be. I will always remember my Uncle Jeff as the strong, confident, and loyal man that helped me understand that it’s cool to be the youngest. Because we’re the most fun. Love you Uncle Jeff!

– Craig Jr.

To Jeff

My brother, I thank God for blessing us with you. We’ve had many hearts to hearts I’ll cherish forever. The memories I’ll hold dear to my heart. You’ve touched so many hearts. I’m glad one of those hearts was mine. Even though you’re our angel now, you will forever be my brother. Thank you for loving me as your sister. Most of all I thank you for the way you loved my sister (Whitebread). You may not be with us in flesh, but your presence will always be felt. Miss you brother and love you always.

– Your sister, Tee Tee

To my Brotha, from another Motha, There are not enough “I Love You’s” I could say to prepare me for this day. We have so many precious memories, they are too numerous to list. Our special bond was not hidden, we ensured the world knew we were family even while you were in the hospital fighting. On the day God called you home, we were scheduled to be in Jamaica—one of the places we thought the blue water and white sand was as beautiful as paradise. However, the chariot came and took you to the REAL paradise where the streets are paved with gold. Brotha, you will always live on in my heart! Rest easy My Brotha till we meet again!

– Eternally Grateful to be Your “Sis”, Tammie

Until We Meet Again, Granddad

We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, And You never will

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.

– Your Grandkids, Preston & Brielle

Jeff: ONE MORE DAY

For thirty years I have been the Mr. Spock to your Captain Kirk or Doc Holiday to your Wyatt Earp. These characters I would continue to portray if we had just one more day.

I’ll be your Huckleberry. My Buddy, My Pal, My Friend until we meet again.

– Ron

The Day God Took You Home

A million times I’ve needed you, a million times I’ve cried…. If love could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, no one else can ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go along. Part of me went with you the day that GOD took you Home!

– Love You Dad, Ebonie

My unbiological brother, where do I begin? You were an ear to me when I needed advice. You told me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear. You were a shoulder to cry on when I needed to shed a tear. People know you as quiet and reserved but you had a lot to say when you were with those that you cared for and loved. You looked after me without being overbearing. Even making me come to movie night with you and Babe to get out of the house. It didn’t matter to you that I’d fall asleep, as long as I was out of the house. There are so many things I could say about who you were. But everyone that knows you already knows this. Although I told you “I love you” each time I left your presence, it tears me apart to know without a voice, you told me you loved me, and I didn’t understand until it was too late. Rest easy Jeffery Allen Henderson! I share the pain of losing you with many people. You were loved and your earthly presence will be missed. I will forever hold you in my heart. – Love Always, Batesia