Jeffrey Stephen Whitfield

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. Jeffery Stephen Whitfield, age 56, of Jefferson, Georgia.  Jeffery Stephen Whitfield was born in 1960, in San Diego, California, and grew up in Jefferson, Georgia. He graduated from Jefferson City Schools in 1978 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration. Jeff married Cindy Pendergrass Vandeventer in 1983, and together they began a life of adventure and public service.      

Jeff served as a Lieutenant with the University of Georgia Police Department for 27 years, most recently mentoring officers as shift commander. He was coordinator of the UGAPD Crisis Intervention Team, with whom he helped students in times of mental health emergency.                                                                                                                  

Jeff served six years in the Navy Reserve before joining the Army as a medevac pilot and flying in Operation Desert Storm. After completing his military terms, he served as the Chief of the Jefferson Police Department and the Deputy Chief of the Bibb County Schools Police Department. In 1996, Jeff left the police force to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Dothan, Alabama, where he was a special agent. After seven years with the FBI, Jeff returned to the UGAPD to be closer to his father and brothers.            In a Red & Black Veteran’s Day profile, Jeff said “I’ve truly been blessed to have been able to do everything on my list of what I wanted to be when I grew up.” He committed his life to serving his community and his country. In his free time, Jeff enjoyed spending time with his family, taking care of his dogs and playing golf.                                         

Jeffery Stephen Whitfield passed away on August 16, 2016. He is survived by his beloved wife Cindy; his two sons Tyler Stephen and Kevin Jeffery Whitfield; his three brothers Ronald Eugene Whitfield (Linda), Raymond Lyle Whitfield (Rhonda), and Timothy Wayne Whitfield (Belinda); and his dog Jake.  He was preceded in death by his parents Nathan Eugene Whitfield and Mary Lyle Whitfield.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM in the Galilee Christian Church with Minister Tom Plank officiating.  Members of the University of Georgia Police Department will serve as honorary pallbearers. The burial will follow in the Evans Memory Gardens. The visitation will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016, 4 – 8 P.M. at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the The ALS, Association?Gift Processing Center,? P.O. Box 6051,?Albert Lea, MN 56007.