Otis Jefferson

We are saddened to announce the transition of Mr. Ottis Jefferson.

Otis Montell Jefferson Jr., affectionately known as Jeff, was born on September 6, 1958, in Henning, Tennessee, to Odis M. and Willie Mae Jefferson. From a young age, Jeff learned the value of hard work and simple joys. At just six years old, he could be found picking cotton, chasing chickens, and playing in cornfields alongside his older sister, Debra, and younger brother, Dwayne, both of whom preceded him in death. 

In 1968, the Jefferson family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Jeff attended Addison Junior High School and later graduated from John Hay High School in 1976. Shortly after graduation, he began his career at Society Bank, now known as KeyBank. That position became more than a job. It became a lifelong commitment. Jeff remained with the bank until his retirement in 2020, marking over four decades of loyal service. 

During the summer of 1983, while spending time with friends, Jeff met Karen D. Clifton, lovingly known to family and friends as Niecy. Their connection was immediate, and their love story led them to marriage on June 1, 1985, at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church, the very place where his life is honored today. 

Jeff and Niecy were blessed with two children. On August 15, 1987, they welcomed their daughter, Kiaira Sherell Jefferson, followed by their son, O'Darius Romello Jefferson, on July 26, 1994. Jeff was a devoted husband and a proud, loving father who placed his family at the center of his life. 

Jeff found joy in the simple pleasures: fishing alongside his wife, taking family vacations without ever missing a year, feeding his birds, and listening to music, especially his all- time favorite artist, Michael Jackson. He loved football and was a loyal LA Rams fan, proudly embracing the color blue. Known as a great cook, Jeff took pride in preparing meals and gathering his family around the table. As a grandfather to five grandsons, Jeff was lovingly known as Paw-Paw. He adored Zyaire, Noah, Zaylen, O'Syre, and Phyre with his whole heart, and that love was returned in full measure. 

This June, Jeff and Niecy would have celebrated 41 years of marriage, a testament to a love built on respect, friendship, and devotion. Jeff was a true gentleman-polite, respectful, and rooted in old-school values. To the neighborhood children and his son's friends, he was always Mr. Jefferson, a man who naturally commanded respect through kindness and integrity. 

Jeff leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Karen Jefferson; his parents, Odis and Willle Mae Jefferson; his daughter, Kiaira (Kenneth Sales); his son, O'Darius (Piereiona); his five treasured grandsons; his niece, Shanika Harris; his best friend, Marvin Marks (Lydia); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. 

This was the life of Otis Montell Jefferson Jr 

Forever loved. Deeply missed 

GO RAMS!

A  Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 23, 2026, with a 10:30 AM Wake and 11:00 AM Service at Open Door Baptist Church, 8215 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. 

We welcome you to provide your thoughts, memories, and pictures on Otis' tribute wall. To send a flower arrangement or plant a tree in memory of Otis, please click here to visit our sympathy store.