Jefferson Barden was born on March 25, 1932 to the late Rev. John and Ora Barden in Fairmont, North Carolina. He departed this life on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at JFK Hospital in Edison, New Jersey. Jefferson received his education at the Rosenwald High School in Fairmont, North Carolina, and he continued his education in New York and New Jersey. Jeff (as he was known), enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He completed his term in the military with an honorable discharge from 1951 to 1956. He also served in the National Guard Reserve in Newark, New Jersey from 1966 to 1968. Jeff spent his early life in Fairmont, North Carolina, he lived in Syracuse, New York, and Brooklyn, New York, but made his home in Newark, New Jersey. He was also married to Irma Langham of Dothan, Alabama. Jeff was employed with the Sheet Metal Product Company in Newark, New Jersey from 1969 to 1973. Jeff owned a welding business also, he managed an apartment building from 1966 to 1974. While having his own business, he was also employed with a sheet metal company in Summit and worked there for eleven years. Jeff worked part-time with the Essex county election board for fifteen years, and he worked in the capacity of a staff judge for Essex county. Jeff also served as the Vice President for the 2 Nevada Street Tenant Association for three years. The life of Jefferson Barden was established on a strong Christian foundation which created a love of God and family. He was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Newark for over 40 years, and he rededicated his life to the Lord during his illness. Jeff was a person who loved people, he loved telling stories about the army and his family history. He was the family historian. If anybody wanted to know any family background just ask Uncle Jeff. He could tell you stories from when he was in school beginning at the age of four, he loved to talk about his army days, he sang with a quartet group while in the army, he learned to speak German while stationed in Germany. He loved his parents and would often talk about Rev. Barden and how sweet his mother was. Being a perfectly organized person, and businessman, Jeff knew how to really take care of business. He had a great sense of humor. Jeff was preceded in death by his three brothers, Joseph Barden, Willard Barden, and Gary Barden; six sisters, Pauline Watson, Immer Scott, Omega Barden, Eleanor Gerald, Deborah Barden, and Glennie Bethea. Jefferson leaves to cherish his loving memory: two daughters, Joanne Moore (William) of Rahway, New Jersey; a precious granddaughter Kristina Moore of Rahway, New Jersey; a daughter Alane Johnson (Lonnie) of Syracuse, New York; a longtime friend Bertha Reed, and a host of nieces and nephews who are very dear to him, other relatives, and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Jefferson Barden. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.