Jeffie Lee McEwen

Mr. Jeffie Lee McEwen also know to his family as “Sheriff” was born to the late Willie “Bill” and Beulah (Atwater) McEwen on January 31, 1934 in Lafayette County; Oxford, Mississippi.  At an early age he confessed his heart to the Lord and became a member of the family Church Hurricane Primitive Baptist Church but later moved his membership to Buford Chapel United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities from Charge Male Chorus Member, Usher, Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, and long standing Church Janitor.  

Mr. Jeff was a long standing member of the PHA Masonic Lodge Stafford 523. On December 8, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mrs. Alice Annie (Pettis) and from their union, five children were born. Mrs. Alice preceded him in death on January 25, 2023, after 66 years of marriage.

Mr. Jeff was a man who loved to work with his hands. This passion lead him to the construction industry where he worked on several  locations throughout Oxford and North MS. Upon his retirement from construction, he started his own small lawn service. He, along with his wife, Mrs. Alice, became Foster Grandparents through the Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program. While there he worked within The North MS Regional Center for almost 15 years.  

To know Mr. Jeff  was to know he, like his wife, was a traveling man who loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his family on vacations, cruises and holidays. When he was not with his family, you could catch him on the creek bank fishing, in the yard working or gardening, or out cutting grass. He enjoyed watching Judge Judy, Wheel of Fortune, or just sitting on the  porch watching the people go by.  

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023 while surrounded by his family, Mr. Jeff closed his eyes and quietly answered the Master's call.  

He  leaves to cherish his memories two daughters: Debra (Larry) Buford of Richton Park IL, and Cathy Fountain of Oxford MS; one son: Kelvin McEwen of Waterloo, IA; one brother: Calvin McEwen of Plant City FL; one sister in Law: Mattie (James) Kearney of Posen IL; One brother in Law: David Pettis of Waterloo IA; and a host of grandchildren, great grand and great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years: Mrs. Alice A McEwen; his sons: Willie B. and Jeffie L. McEwen; (9) Brothers (6) Sisters; and his parents Willie “Bill” and Beulah McEwen.