Obituary of Reverend Jewel E. "Gerald" Jeffcoat, Sr.

Reverend Jewel E. (Gerald) Jeffcoat, Sr.

April 23, 1941 – May 18, 2020

 

The Reverend Jewel E. Jeffcoat Sr. passed away May 18, 2020 after complications due to an accidental fall.  He was born to the late Lucius and Vila Jeffcoat, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina on April 23, 1941.

 

He moved to the Columbia area when he was a young boy.  The story goes that he met his beloved wife, Joyce, at the age of 17 at a bubble gum party and they have been together ever since.  She always told him, “I love you with a capital L, a little e and everything in between.”

He was a drywall contractor for many years.  At an early age, he was called by God to minister to others.  He founded Westside Holiness Church, West Columbia, SC in 1969 and was the pastor at the time of his death.  Throughout the years of service many souls were saved and he was a true and faithful servant.  His Westside Holiness family was truly a family and not just a church.

 

He answered to many names such as Daddy, Dad, Papa, Papa J, Pastor, Preacher, Shepherd, Mr. Jeffcoat, Friend, and My Darling by those that loved and respected him most.  He was also known to be an accomplished angler.  He loved to fish with family and friends and to share his great adventures with others.  The family enjoyed his fish fry’s more than anything.  He often was found working in his garden and it gave him great joy to share his harvest with others.  It was often said that he was a good man and he will be missed dearly by all.

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Sullivan Jeffcoat of 61 years, sons Jewel E. Jeffcoat, Jr. (Mira), West Columbia, SC; Dillard O. Jeffcoat, Sr. (Marti), Leesville, SC; Jimmy P. Jeffcoat (Tina), Gaston, SC; and daughter Tammy J. Collins (Ronald), Lexington, SC; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by two siblings Thurmon Jeffcoat (Lila), West Columbia, SC and Brenda Hill (Jerry), Gaston, SC.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and five brothers.

 

Due to Covid-19, a drive through visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The service will be held at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, Friday, May 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. for the immediate family only.  Following the service, burial will be held at Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, SC.  Others may attend the burial; however, they must remain in their cars.  The service will be officiated by Reverend Rudy N. Jeffcoat, Jr. and Greg Hill.  Pallbearers will be Corkey Jeffcoat, Daniel Jeffcoat, Joel Jeffcoat, Jerry Anderson, Casey Bradwell, Caleb Clark, and Scoti Finley.  In the future, there will be a celebration of life planned.

 

Memorials may be given to Westside Holiness Church Helping Hands, P.O. Box 3215, West Columbia, SC 29171.