Jefferey Palmer was born on December 7^th, 1958 to the late Ruth Palmer in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of four children, and at an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Sacior. He grew up in the church, and served in various capacities, including teaching Sunday School and taking on the roles of both a Trustee and a Deacon. He was later called to the ministry in 2021 and ordained in 2024.

Jefferey attended the Cleveland Public School System, graduating from Glenville High School in 1977. His educational journey continued over the years as he later worked to obtain his Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.

From an early age, Jefferey also exhibited a strong work ethic which persisted throughout his lifetime. He worked in a broad range of occupations including: manufacturing, chauffeuring, security and healthcare. Jefferey’s final occupational endeavor, where he served for over a decade, was in the educational arena. In this arena, he wore a number of hats, working as an Instructor, Substitute Teacher, Adjunct Professor, Dean of Student Affairs, and Assistant Principal. His final appointment in the educational field involved working as a principal in the concept school system.

Jefferey was loved by many and was fondly known as: “Jeff,” “JP,” “Palms,” “Daddy,” “G-Pop,” “Mr. P,” “Steek,” “Old Man,” “Fly Guy,” “George,” “James,” “Jefferey The Bell,” “Mr. Palmer,” and “The Grill Master”. Most of all, Jefferey was a true child of God, a family man, and a loyal friend. He married Angela Strong in 1994 and to this union Jayla was born. Years later, in 2002, Jefferey reconnected with and married Lazetta Cain, whom he’d met decades earlier at Second Lakeview Baptist Church. To their union Janaya (deceased) and Ivana were born. In 2020, he became a grandfather (g-pop) to Jayla’s son, Isaiah Jr. (Junie).

Jefferey was the go-to person for many, always showing up when called upon, or even when not, to provide a helping hand, listening ear, comfort, and advice. His generosity and love extended to the many lives he touched including amongst family, friends, church family, his work family, and often strangers too.

Jefferey is preceded in death by his daughter, Janaya, his mother, Ruth, whom he lovingly called his “Queen”, and his sister, Barbara Settle (Thomas Settle – deceased). Jefferey’s memory is left to cherish with his wife, Lazetta, daughters, Jayla and Ivana, grandson, Isaiah Jr., and his siblings Alphonza, known as “Sonny” (Sandra), and Linda, in addition to a host of other loved ones.

Jefferey enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends, loved his job (coworkers and students alike), fashion, grilling, and enjoyed, as he would call them, “gangsta movies”. He will be dearly missed! His sense of humor, smile, laughter, his love, and compassion will never be forgotten! His legacy will continue on! This is not “goodbye”, but instead this is “see you later”!

“‘To everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1),’ life here on earth is only a season, but Heaven is forever.” – Jefferey Palmer