Derrick Daniel Jefferson

Derrick Daniel ‘Diesel’ Jefferson passed suddenly on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born January 30, 1960, in Jere, a son of the late William L. “Snookie” and Norma Jean (Seals) Jefferson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Minerva Morgan; maternal grandparents, Jack and Mazie Seals; two infant siblings, Brenda Joyce and David Lee, his brother, Charles ‘Chuck’, and his wife Tina Jefferson. Derrick is survived by his two daughters, Danielle Rae Jefferson and HaLeigh Ruth Sanders, both of Myrtle Beach, SC, and four grandchildren, Taleigha Nevaeh Tigney; and Elijah James, Alora Reign, and Laila Yvonne Sanders; his siblings, William L. ‘Billy Jack’ Jefferson, Jr., Bartley Jefferson, and Cynthia (Mitchell) Proctor; his girlfriend, Jenaea Lockett, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Derrick graduated from University High School in 1978 where he played on the football team, wrestling squad, and was the state champion wrestler in his weight class his junior year. He was proud to be one of the first boys to take home economics. In 1984, Derrick married Marilyn Blake. They divorced in 1992 but remained friends and stayed in touch with each other. Derrick worked numerous jobs, including Shaffer Enterprises at all WVU games, Edson’s Tree Service in Sewickley, PA; Exxon Corporation, in Bridgeport, WV; Shoney’s, Boston Beanery, Golden Corral, Shop N Save, McDonald’s, 379 Laborers Local Union, and others in the Morgantown area. Derrick enjoyed WVU Mountaineer sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved to fish! Derrick was the cook at all family events, especially known for manning the grill and his collard greens. Viewing will be held at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home on Monday, March 21, 2022, from 11 AM to the time of service at 1 PM. Mr. Jefferson will be cremated following the service and a private inurnment will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home or through his GoFundMe account, https://www.gofundme.com/f/derrick-daniel-diesel-jefferson-funeral