I first met Jeff sometime around 1993 when together we were initial members of the local community development Federal Empowerment Zone program.  Together we worked side by side, and although I never saw him in the light of his religious activities, I did get to know him from his leadership work with the neighborhood.  Sure, I had reverence for his pastoral duties, but I had open admiration for his administrative and instructional skills.  We became allies, and, later, friends, often meeting to have private strategy conversations.

One year, I felt so privileged to been invited by Jeff to attend an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast.  I was dirt-poor in those days, I couldn’t afford the money to purchase a ticket; realizing my situation, Jeff unselfishly offered to pay.  I never forgot this simple act of charitable kindness.  Well, that year’s Breakfast was cancelled because of severe weather conditions.  As time went on, we saw less and less of each other.  But, whenever I traveled past Har Sinai Church of Christ, I would always glance in its direction and silently say “hi Jeff!  Thanks again”.  

Today, when I needed to ‘Google Map’ a nearby address, I saw the Church and instinctively once more said “hi Jeff!  Thanks again”.  But unlike before... in this instance I added.... ‘I wonder whatever happened to Jeff’.

Providence must have brought me to this site.   I am so sad for your loss.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences, albeit untimely.  

Know that after shedding a few tears follow by a brief stumbling prayer, I emotionally said to myself “hi Jeff!  Thanks again”.  And, as was the case in bygone years, the memory of his past friendship and graciousness still brought forth a smile to my face.  I am glad our lives crossed on the path of life.

 

-WJK-
Washington Hill