Waldo Bernard Jeff was born on May 18, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Morris F.X Jeff Sr. and Thelma Evans Jeff. His father was a civic leader and first-ever Black Executive in New Orleans City Government as Head of the New Orleans Recreation Department Colored Division (NORD). His mother was a teacher. Waldo was a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion, social justice, and equality who leaves behind significant contributions to U.S. Civil Rights Movement; including the development of strategies for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Freedom Rides, participation in the historic March from Selma to Montgomery, and a staunch commitment to combating inequality and oppression throughout his career.

Raised in the Lafitte Projects, Waldo's journey of service began early. From the age of 10, his work experience began with selling peanuts and pralines at local sporting events, including the Sugar Bowl, with his older brother, Morris Jeff Jr. He attended high school at Xavier Preparatory School where he was an academically gifted student-athlete, utilizing his diverse education to empower youth and adults alike. He graduated with honors and went on to play football at Michigan State University and Trinidad Junior College where he earned an Associate Degree in Physical Education (P.E.). He would go on to earn a Bachelor's degree in P.E. at Colorado State University, and a Master's degree in Social work from Atlanta University (AU), where his accomplishment as AU's first Merrill Presidential Scholar, led him to the London School of Economics. There he earned a Certificate of Social Welfare Administration. Waldo's accomplishments spanned across the USA and internationally, demonstrating his exceptional versatility and dedication to education and service.

After graduate school, Waldo moved to New York City. There, his career was marked by significant leadership roles including Director of the Welfare Rights Organization, Director of Counseling for the Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) program at Queens College, and most notably as partner of one of the first Black-owned franchises, All-Pro Chicken. His expertise was later sought by Procter and Gamble (P&G), and in 1976 he moved his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he joined P&G's Human Resource team. He was a staunch advocate for all P&G employees throughout his tenure, with his final contribution aiding P&G's Gay, Ally, Bisexual, and Lesbian Employees (GABLE) which provided same-sex/partner benefits. His work was subsequently highlighted in the documentary "Out of the Shadows: Risking Their Careers in the Name of Equality." Waldo retired in 2001, yet remained a dedicated coach, mentor, and advocate to hundreds of P&G employees of all backgrounds. His contributions and impact still exist today.

Waldo's commitment to education extended beyond his professional role. He worked with the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education (CPS) to address academic challenges faced by student-athletes at Withrow High School.

Waldo's innovative approach, engaging math and science majors at P&G for one-on-one tutoring significantly boosted students' SAT scores through the Linking Education and Athletic Programs (LEAP). He led United Negro College Fund (UNCF) campaigns at P&G, raising substantial funds, and volunteered extensively with high school students, providing tutoring, college application assistance, and support for first-generation college students. He also chaired the Local School Decision-Making Committee (LSDMC) for Withrow High School and served as an education consultant for CPS.

His community involvement was vast, including membership on the City of Cincinnati Planning Commission, contributions to the Beechmont Community Development Center, and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME).

Finally, he was an amazing patriarch and family man. He exemplified leadership and protection for everyone, always giving 100% of who he was, no matter who was in need. His encouragement, counsel, and love will remain his biggest gift of all, and his legacy will remain in their hearts and minds forever.

Waldo was preceded in death by his parents Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. and Thelma Evans Jeff, his brother, Morris F.X. Jeff, Jr. and two grandsons, Cameron Xavier Jeff, and Bryce Caden Jeff.

He leaves to treasure his memory: his beloved wife, Mildred Nival Jeff; his sister, Jolene M. Jeff; 5 children, Carlos Jeff, Jolaina Jeff-Cartier (Mose), Laura Fuller, Rita Negron, and Monet Davis; 14 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

He lived by the words of Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much is required," a testament to his life's mission of service and justice. His profound impact on countless lives will be remembered and cherished.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:45 am, on  Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Church Of The Resurrection, 1619 California Avenue, Cincinnati  (45237).   The Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation and will begin at 12 noon.

Interment at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2024,  at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio (45232).

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Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home  are  honored to serve the Jeff family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.