Charles Edward Jefferson Sr., of Rockford departed this earthly life Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born March 31, 1945 in Waco, Texas the son of Lee Sr. and Victoria Jefferson. Charles lived in Rockford Over 50 years coming from Waco, TX. He married the former Genell Blair,     she preceded him in death. Charles was previously employed as a salesman by Rockford Humphrey Cadillac and Olds and Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet and Fairway Ford in Freeport. He served as a Illinois State Representative 67th District, 13 years before retiring in 2014.  He also served on the Winnebago County Board, serving as chairman. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a Staff Sargent in the Military Police. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. Charles was a member of the Booker Washington Community Center, serving on the board; a member of the Lions Club; Welcome Star Lodge #36 PHA, F&AM; and NAACP. Charles graduated from A.J. Moore High School in Waco; and attended Paul Quinn College in Waco.

Charles leaves to cherish many fun and loving memories, three sons, Carl Edward Jefferson, Charles E. Jefferson Jr., and Curtis Lamar Sr; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandson; three brothers, Lee Andrew (Della) Jefferson Jr; Kenneth Jefferson and Rev. Frank (Bonnie) Jefferson Sr; six sisters, Joyce Sallis, Linda Pate, Dorthy (Duane) Foster, Patsy (Kenneth) Jones, Amie Belcher and Karen (Zachary) Thompson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; Lee Andrew Jefferson Sr. and Victoria Jefferson; wife, Genell;  brother, Robert Jefferson; two grandchildren, Chantell Olsten and Katisha "Pooh" Davis.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at  The Coronado 314 N. Main Street. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.