OUTMemphis would like to remember David Jeffers, a recently passed community member who was fondly loved by many. We are honored to share the obituary below, written by former Board Chair, Audrey May.
In October 2018, a few days prior to his 63rd birthday our beloved David Jeffers departed from us. He did not want a service upon his passing.
David’s was a Navy family, truly making him a citizen of the world. David was born in Hutchinson, Kansas and passed away in his beloved home in Cooper-Young, Memphis, Tennessee.
His parents, Colombia and Commander William Jeffers, saw to it that David and his much-loved sister Coly Anne, appreciated and learned from their family adventures as they frequently moved.
Cmdr. Jeffers’ retirement from the Navy brought the family to Memphis. After high school, David’s adventurous spirit took him to live in several cities, and then he returned to Memphis to attend barber college.
David also devoted his energies to the theatre, volunteering at Little Theatre, now Theatre Memphis, and Memphis Children’s Theatre under Lucille Ewing and Julia “Cookie” Ewing. David’s mother also donated her talents to both stages in costume design and creation. David formed many lifelong relationships through these and other community organizations.
After graduation David worked for Redken and in several shops here in Memphis. He also owned shops in East Memphis and in Midtown, where he proudly opened Midtown Hair as one of the first openly gay businesses in Memphis.
David was a dedicated activist and was always willing to volunteer for fundraisers. He served as an AIDS Buddy to several early victims. In 1989 David helped establish and staff MGLCC, now OUTMemphis.
Preceded in death by both his parents, our David is survived by his sister, five nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews. He also leaves his dear friends and his ever loyal customers whom he often referred to as his friends.
David will be missed but never forgotten by those of us who loved him. He did not want a funeral, but would probably urge all of us to live our best lives, to love each other fiercely, to support gay businesses and organizations, and to raise some hell in his memory.
