Jeffery Leon Blackshear, Sr.

03/29/1969 - 08/31/2019

Obituary For Jeffery Leon Blackshear, Sr.

"REMEMBERED AS A GENTLE GIANT"

On March 29, 1969, Jeffrey Leon Blackshear, Sr. was born in Fort Pierce, Florida. Affectionately called “Bodean” Jeff was the only child of Julia Mary Collins and Robert Shedrick. He was raised by his grandmother, Dorothy Blackshear. Jeff was educated in Fort Pierce Public Schools and graduated from Westwood High School. Jeff was a standout in basketball and football. An imposing stature at 6’6’’ and weighing 300 lbs., Jeff was a natural for football. Drafted from Northeast Louisiana Monroe to the National Football League in 1993 as the 8th round draft pick and signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an offensive lineman. Jeff also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. But when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens, this began his lifelong love affair with the Baltimore/DC area. Nicknamed, Black by his teammates, he was a dominant run blocker and one of the strongest players on the team. It was also Baltimore where he met the love of his life, Sheila.

Jeff, a gregarious, good natured, and natural leader was not only his family’s pride and joy but also the pride and joy of his hometown, Fort Pierce, Florida. There have been many news articles and editorials written about Jeff since his passing, praising his skill as a football player and as an awesome father and friend.

A loving and very humble man who gave from his heart to so many people. Jeff recognized the power of love and family and shared this gift during his life. Now with his passing, he will always be remembered for his love through his family and friends.

On Saturday August 31, 2019 he quietly slipped away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by family. In the 50 years between he left an indelible and profound legacy to this world.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Shelia Blackshear; children, Jeffrey Jr., Jolie, James, Leondra, Jocelynn, and stepson, Sean; mother, Julia M. Blackshear; father, Robert Shedrick; godsisters, Shirley Lesane, Betty Lesane, Ilean Rosier; godborthers, Lewis Lesane, Ricky Lesane, Dwayne Paschal Jr., Levie Dixson;mother-in-law, Pearl Pace; sisters-in-law, Sandra DeShazo, Wanda Richardson, Carol Pace; brothers-in-law, Stephen Pace, Herman DeShazo, William Richardson; uncles, Stanley Blackshear, Bernard Collins, Damon Richardson, Sr., Michael Leslie, Sr.; aunts, aunts, Dorothy A. Blackshear, Cecelia Richardson, Linda Leslie, Felecia Collins, Joyce Blackshear; great aunts, Bertha Hart, Leatha Mae Andrews; special Cousin, Luciana; special friends, Jason Potter, Eddie Crenshaw, Alvin Hamilton, James Folston, Coach Dave Roberts, Tony Franklin, Duane Starks, Larry Webster, Anthony Sweeper and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Public visitation for Jeffery Blackshear, Sr. will take place on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Saint Paul AME Church 1405 North 27th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34947.A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1:00pm at the River of Life Fellowship (The Temple) 3950 Juanita Ave, Fort Pierce, Florida, 34946.



Guest Book

Jeff " Big Black" Blackshear was like a big brother to me. I Love big Jeff, and I am So sorry for your loss. May God bless you all... David Long

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My deepest sympathy to Shelia, the Children and the Blackshear Family. May God hold you in his arms and strengthen you during this very difficult time. Ernest White Chicago, Illinois.

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May God bless the Blackshear family with solace and strength at this difficult time.We had plenty of good times my friend and you were the best that ever did it! RIP big fella and find comfort in the house of the Lord. Peace and blessings from Nevin Paige and family. Glen Burnie, Maryland.

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Words can never express the sorrow we all feel. The Williams family extends their sincerest condolences to the Blackshear family. Lean on God for strength and healing. Sammy and Cherlynn Williams

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Holly Newman & family

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My heart felt condolences to the family during this difficult time. May God cover you in comfort and peace. Rest easy "Baby Jeff" for now the storm is over

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My condolences to the Blackshear family. May God surround you with His peace, comfort and love during this difficult time. --Tracey B.

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My Brother. Black, we got drafted in the same round 8. You was a pick and I was the B pick. We met at the hotel and realized it was meant to be, we never met until Seattle. Let me explain, we are both March babies, we both had the same agent before the draft. We had girlfriends we the same first name. We both had Explorer trucks. Im your kids godfather and you are my kids godfather. My grandmother died a day before your grandmother passed. We both had daughters in Seattle. We both had other girlfriends named the same. I tell people about you and they say Wow. I'm glad every time we talked we would say, hey Brother I Love You. Man I will always love you and miss you. Your Brother Antonio Edwards, I love you Brother!!!

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My condolences to the Blackshear family. I remember the time u met the boys for the first time and they started calling u (Debo) and we laughed and joked about it everytime u came over. You will never be forgotten my brother. Until i see you again rest easy. Save my spot in VIP . Sammy Williams

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My deepest sympathy to the Blackshear family. From Pat Cobb and family

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You will never be forgotten. We grew up together and over the years we always remained in touch. My family loved him like a son. We both played basketball for Westwood High. We had many memories together and he knew that I loved him no matter what. I was happy that he contacted me a few weeks before he made his way to heaven. RIH Jeffrey and tell Marcus that o miss and love him. AB

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I remember everytime we see each other it's like we talk everyday but once again we see each again again one day love and respect always my brotha Alonzo Mitz

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To my big bro and family my the love of God comfort you during this time.

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Good fun childhood friend will be missed. God has your white rode ready. Rest my brother.

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Long time friend haven't kept intouch heart breaker. GOD'S love is greater wear your robe in your new home.

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My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Blackshear’s family! Bo you were a great guys as well as well a good friend! I want to thank you for always being there for me when I needed you and now you are part of Heaven’s Hall of fame, you earned your wings my brother now fly away to paradise! You’ll be truly missed...love ya until we meet again! Your friend Derek Bennett a.k.a. Party Rock

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God bless, all of the family know this earth has no sorrows heaven can not heal. I love you all Coach Carl Jones and Family. Jacksonville,Florida.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel