Early Sunday morning, January 7, 2024 Ellis O'levi Jefferson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, entered his eternal rest. Ellis, affectionately known as "E.O." or "Uncle Nicky", was born on September 8, 1944 in Newport News, Virginia to the late to Rev. Ellis and Austina Jefferson.

The fourth of seven children, he attended Newport News Public Schools and graduated from Huntington High School. On May 2, 1966, he married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Louise Powell and entered the Air Force to begin his career journey. His career path included over twenty-five years of service in the Newport News Shipyard (Northrop Grumman) where he was promoted to supervisor in the sheet metal department.

In addition to his love for work, Ellis was a man of God. He faithfully served as minister at Fountain Baptist Church for many decades, leaving a legacy of devotion to the Lord's service. Just as he loved God, he cherished family. He never tired of family cookouts, holiday dinners, and birthday parties where he was known for enjoying good food and sharing life stories with all who would listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Stephen A. Jefferson, Annice Carter, and Betty Johns. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-seven years Elizabeth Jefferson, six children, Ronald Jefferson (Joy), Betty Jefferson, Ellis Jefferson (Shawnda), Nicholas Jefferson (Victoria), Clyde R. Snead (Latonya) and Kim Finnell, three sisters, Edith Charity, Austina Jackson, and Bernice Alston, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his Fountain Baptist Church Family.

A funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Hampton University Memorial Chapel.  Viewing will be from 3-6 PM on Friday at the funeral home and from 10 AM until the hour of the service at the Chapel on Saturday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.