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.
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