Richard Bradley “Brad” Jeffers of Wilmington died on April 2 surrounded by God’s angels. Brad was born September 14, 1929. A proud native Delawarean, son of the late Rev. H Clifford Jeffers and Mary White Jeffers. A graduate of Wilmington ‘High School’ in 1947, he was known for his outstanding athletic abilities; particularly in track, holding records and winning 1st at the State Championship in 100-yard low hurdles. At Wilmington High, Brad lettered in 3 sports. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in Washington, D.C. as a member of the Military Police. He began college at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio but was re-called to serve in the Far East Command during his college tenure. Upon return from Korea, he re-entered Muskingum where he enjoyed academics, sports, and the camaraderie of the Stag Fraternity. He also ran as part of the 4-member 880-yard Championship team at Muskingum in 1953.
He married Mary Elaine Honeychurch on December 29, 1951 at Silverbrook United Methodist Church in Wilmington. She was his loving mate for their life together. They had fond stories, particularly of their days at Muskingum in ’51-53.
Finishing college, he went on to teach and coach in Ohio and Delaware; always a mentor to young people. He helped shape future generations at Urbana Local, West Liberty High (Urbana, Ohio), Harrington High (Harrington, DE), DeLaWarr, Dickinson, Brandywine Springs Junior High and McKean High School (Wilmington, Delaware).
While teaching, he pursued his Masters Degree at West Chester University and completed graduate work at the University of Delaware. With his talent for leadership, he entered the ranks of school administration; as an assistant principal at both Dickinson and McKean. He also was honored to be the acting principal at Brandywine Springs prior to its sale to the Hercules company in the late 70’s. He had the honor of being inducted into Wilmington High’s and McKean’s Walls of Fame. Additionally, he was recognized at McKean’s 50th Anniversary. He believed in the importance of involvement in one’s profession and was a member of the Delaware School Administrators’ Association and also more recently the Delaware Retired School Personnel Association.
Not to be one to sit on the sidelines; he could be found managing North Star pool in the summer, coaching little league and semi-pro teams (Artway) in the spring and officiating football in the fall. He was a member of the American Red Cross for 35 years.
Church was an important part of his life, and he was an active member at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church as well as Silverbrook United Methodist Church.
After retirement, Brad made a summer home in Ocean View for a period of time with family around him on every block. With his commitment to young people, he decided that he could also drive a school bus for the Red Clay Consolidated School District and Sutton Bus company during the school year. He also was a lead in for funerals at Gracelawn Cemetery for many years. In 2004, Mary and Brad decided to be snowbirds, and called Estero, Florida home, where Brad started and arranged for the construction of horseshoe pits and organized the horseshoe league which generated much enthusiasm among his neighbors of Cypress Bend.
Most recently, Brad called Forwood Manor and Harbor Chase home. The family is most appreciative of the support of the Harbor Chase and Compassionate Care staff.
Brad was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. He is survived by his children; Mary Norris (Ed), Jim Jeffers (Patti) his sister, Janie (Phil), and his sister-in-law (Charolette). He was the proud PopPop Brad to 2 grandsons; Bucky (Caitlin) and Randy, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: DeLaWarr Alumni Room or Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church / Youth and Choir Ministries.
A visitation for family and friends will be at McCrery & Harra on Kirkwood Highway on April 9 from 6-8. There will be a funeral service at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church on April 10 from 11-12 with visitation from 10-11. The committal will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
