Jeffery Lynn “Jeff” Ferguson Sr., 67, of Galesburg, died at 6:25 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Allure of Lake Storey.
He was born November 1, 1957, in Peoria, the son of Daniel Ferguson and Louise Blanche (Young) Ferguson Cheatham. He married Susan Washington in Peoria. Even though they later divorced, they continued a friendship until the time of his passing.
He is survived by his children, Ashiya L. Ferguson, Capre L. Ferguson, Ontario L. Ferguson, Montreal L. Ferguson, all of Galesburg, Jeffery Ferguson Jr. of Jacksonville, and Jeffery L. Irby and Julius L. Mudd, both of Peoria; two special daughters, Nuvia Solis and Crysten Rigg, both of Galesburg; 15 grandkids; and five great grandkids, with two more on the way; and siblings, Bettie Carter, Rosie Johnson, Grace Ferguson, Dottie Robinson, Carl Simmons, and Arthur Lee Otis (Betty) Simmons. He also leaves behind David Washington of Galesburg, who was a very special brother-in-law and friend who did the world for him he loved him so much and Bridget Kelly. Additionally, there are a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Lillie B. Ferguson and siblings, Charles Ferguson, Carmen Stear, Willie Simmons, and Dorothy Smith.
Everyone who knew Jeff knew that he loved to dress, cook, and clean. He also had a passion for decorating and detailing cars, where he spent some time detailing at Mulberry Garage. He also enjoyed working on cars with Robert “Bobby” McGruder. Jeff will be remembered for his strong work ethic. Over the years, he had worked for Brown’s T.V. and Electronics, G & M Distributors, Burlington Northern Railroad, and then at Rosewood Care Center and Heartland Health Care Center, where he used his cooking skills to feed the residents.
He loved being around his family and friends and was the life of the party. You can’t forget about his bike that we called his Cadillac that he loved to ride around town. He loved to help people in any way he could. He would give the shirt off his back if he had to and always opened his doors to people. As you may know him as “Ferg”, “71”, or “doobytime”, know that he is at peace now. He fought a long fight. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed.
He was raised and educated in Peoria, where he graduated from high school. He later studied Criminal Justice at Carl Sandburg College. Jeff was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
Visitation will be noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at 2 p.m. in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
