Mr. Donald Marvin Jefferson Sr

Donald Marvin Jefferson, Sr. was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 29, 1933 to Ralph Alvin and Willie Louise Jefferson. He was the fifth of eight children. Donald attended Lee Street School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, where he was a snare drummer and graduated
from North Division High School where he was a 3-letter athlete (football, basketball, and track).He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on August 9, 1957. After serving in the
Armed Forces, Jefferson attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee receiving his Bachelor of Arts
degree and Master of Arts degree in Social Work. After receiving his undergraduate degree Donald worked for
the Boys Club, which is now the Boys and Girls Club of America. He then worked for Milwaukee County for
30 years, as a social worker primarily in Children’s Court.

On August 4, 1962 Donald Jefferson married his best friend, Frances Edna Jefferson (Jefferson) at Calvary
Baptist Church, in Milwaukee, WI. In 2012 they celebrated a Gala 50 th Wedding Anniversary. They have one
son, Donald M. Jefferson, Jr. While attending college, Don became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and served for over 50 years,
initially in the undergraduate Delta Kappa Chapter, and later in the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter. He was
considered a cornerstone in both chapters, mentoring members as well as attending regional and national
conferences.
Donald was a lifelong member of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) where he attended
regularly. He loved singing and was a member of the Anvil Choir at St. Mark A.M.E. Church as well as the
New Jubilee Community Choir until he could no longer sing.
One of his outside interests was working with the Northcott Neighborhood House, where he served for over 50
years in various mentoring positions. Don was also actively involved with Milwaukee Frontiers International
and the Walnut Street Social Gathering Club. He was also an original board member of North Milwaukee State
Bank, Milwaukee’s first Black bank. His other outside interest was the Green Bay Packers. He originally
obtained season tickets around 1964 to attend games in Milwaukee County Stadium and dutifully attended
games in Green Bay until 2024.
Donald Marvin Jefferson, Sr. had a well lived life in Milwaukee and contributed to the growth and development
of many family members, friends, and fraternity brothers.
On September 12, 2025 Donald reunited with his wife of 55 years, Frances E. Jefferson; parents, Ralph A. and
Willie Louise Jefferson; brothers, Ralph, Jr., and Charles Jefferson; sisters, Vernadine Brooks, Wilma Clark,
Joyce Bryant, and Mildred Jefferson.
Donald M. Jefferson, Sr. is survived by his son, Donald M. Jefferson, Jr.; four grandchildren, Ebony Hollis,
Gregory Spencer, Arielle Jefferson, and Darrion Jefferson and four great-grandchildren, Cataleya, Ryley, Noah and Braxton. He is also survived by one brother, Henry E. Jefferson of Ontario, California, one niece, Cassandra Brooks, who took care of him like a daughter and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly.

Born to eternal life on September 12, 2025 at the age of 92 years. Visitation; Monday, September 29, 2025 4-6 PM. Combined Services, Tuesday, September 30, 2025; Visitation: 10-11 AM Funeral: 11 AM at Calvary Baptist Church located 2959 N. Teutonia Ave.

Interment: Forest Home Cemetery

All Services Trusted to:
Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services
7625 W. Appleton Avenue