Nathaniel Jefferson, Jr. (Lansing)

Nathaniel Jefferson, Jr. “Nate” left his earthly home on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 43 years old. He was born January 27, 1979, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Gertrude Wilkerson-Smith and Nathaniel Jefferson, Sr. Nate was the last born out of six but the first to introduce his family and loved ones to a unique way of loving, teaching, communicating and living life. A special gift from God to everyone he encountered. Nate had the ability to bring a sense of comfort and joy to us all, especially when he gave hugs or said our names personally. During family events the room was guaranteed to light up whenever he entered. He had an impact on our hearts and was truly loved by many.

Nate was a member of Solid Rock Full Gospel Baptist Church, where he enjoyed praise and worship and could be found wearing the biggest smile, requesting a tambourine, clapping, and shouting “Hallelujah”!

Nate attended Beekman Center School, where he excelled and graduated from in 2005. Nate loved church, bowling, family time and eating (Burger King and Ryan’s were his favorites). He could often be heard stating his request at any given time. Let it be known that Nathaniel is the family wrestling champion, holding an undefeated record amongst his brothers, nephews, cousins and many others. He was truly a joy in our lives.

Nate leaves to cherish his memories three brothers, Earl (Fomici) Smith Jr., and Tyrone Smith of Lansing, Michigan, and Larry (Tasha) Smith of Elkhart, Indiana; one sister, Kameko Jefferson of Lansing, Michigan; four uncles, Clarence Frazier of Chicago, Illinois, Anarion Frazier of Lansing, Michigan, Johnny Wilkerson of Blytheville, Arkansas, and James (Debra) Wilkerson of Malden, Missouri; and four aunts, Bertha Curtis of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Essie (Charles) James, Willie Dawson, and Mary (Simon) Donald, all of Lansing, Michigan; Godmother, Lynda Tate, of Blytheville, Arkansas; Godfather, Shannon “Duck” Sims, of Blytheville, Arkansas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins including close cousins, Tonja Sutton and Angela Perkins, both  of Blytheville, Arkansas and Toni Jefferson-Collins of Lansing, Michigan, other relatives and friends.

Nate was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Wilkerson-Smith; father, Nathaniel Jefferson Sr.; maternal grandmother, Theodoria Wilkerson; maternal grandfather, Henry Wilkerson Sr.; paternal grandmother, Fannie Jefferson; paternal grandfather, Dan Jefferson Sr.; sister, Sheila Smith; aunts, Erma Jean Davis, Denise Wilkerson and Ethel Norris; uncles, Dan Jefferson Jr., Henry Wilkerson Jr., Leroy Sturghill, and Jesse Tyes; niece, Tyshiea Hill; nephews, Earl Smith III and Octayveun Smith.