Mr. Ralph Alvin Jefferson Jr.

Ralph Alvin Jefferson Jr., was born October 21, 1924 to Willie and Ralph Jefferson Sr., is a native son of Milwaukee. He was the oldest of eight and was preceded in death by his brother, Charles E. Jefferson and sisters, Mildred C. Jefferson and Vernadine Jefferson Brooks. His surviving siblings are Wilma T. Clark, Joyce L. Bryant, Donald M. Jefferson (Frances), and Henry E. Jefferson. He is further survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends. Ralph graduated from Lincoln High School and received his Bachelor's degree from The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1950. He became one of the first African Americans to receive a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ralph served the State of Wisconsin in an array of positions which included: Regional Director for Probation and Parole for Southeastern Wisconsin and Special Assistant to the Secretary, Departmenf of Health and Social Services; .as an advisor to Wisconsin governors and US presidents; an, as a mentor to h ndreds of professionals throughout the State of Wisconsin. Despite his reputation as Dark Gable, Ralph Jefferson and Frieda Parker were married on August 29, 1953 in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are the devoted and loving parents of Ralph Alvin Jefferson III (Vernetta), and Brian Lane Jefferson, and loving and compassionate grandparents of Lauren Alice Jefferson. Ralph Holds the coveted position of best friend to t em all. Ralph's tireless and notable contributions to our community through local, state, and national organizations to make our city, state, and country better places to live are numerous. Most of his work was done during the racially charged civil rights era. In so doing, he has earned our respect, gratitude and appreciation. Ralph's contributions include the following: • YMCA Certified Youth Work Secretary where he developed pre-teen, teen, and collegiate programs. His contributions were recognized by the Northside YMCA. • Senior State of Wisconsin Civil Servant who understood the inner workings of state government to positively affect economic assistance, mental health and vocational rehabilitation policies. Ralph went on to develop the first half way house in Wisconsi n for the benefit of ex-offenders. Ralph's other noteworthy affiliations include: • NAACP - tife Member • US Navy Academy - Wisconsin Recruiter- Blue & Gold Club • American Correction Association - Board Member, Correction Accreditation • UWM School of Social Work - Adjunct Professor • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Milwaukee Chapter - Life Member • Sigma Psi Fraternity - Beta Alpha Chapter, Past President Central City United Methodist Church- Member • Milwaukee Afro-Fest - Elder • National Association of Social Workers, Gold Card Member • Council of Elders, Advisory Body to Former WI Association of Black Sector Employees

Mr. Ralph Alvin Jefferson Jr.

October 21, 1924 - August 5, 2015