Mr. Emmett Belford Jeter, Jr.

Distinguished, warm, steady, proud, generous, and loving—these words only begin to describe Emmett Belford Jeter, Jr., who lived nearly 94 years with a bold spirit, a booming laugh, and deep devotion to family and community. He passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026–the earthly completion of an amazing, full and meaningful life.. Born June 21, 1932, in Washington, D.C., Emmett was the only son of Emmett Sr. and Carmel Jeter and grew up with four sisters in a close, lively home. He carried his roots with pride and shared family stories with warmth and nostalgia. A standout at Cardozo High School, he earned a football scholarship to Delaware State University, where he starred from 1951–1955, captained the 1954 Hornets team, earned All‑CIAA and All‑SAIC honors, and was inducted into the DSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986. He also joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1952, later becoming a charter member of the Poughkeepsie Alumni Chapter. After earning his degree in 1955, Emmett served in the U.S. Army in Germany (1955–1957), then devoted over 40 years to social work, supporting children and families as a compassionate and steadfast leader. In 1962, he became the first Black candidate to run for City Council in Poughkeepsie, New York. Above all, Emmett cherished family. He loved traveling with his wife and friends, supporting his granddaughter Maliya’s activities, and being the uncle known for his laughter and warm embraces. In retirement in Durham, North Carolina, he enjoyed cheering for the Washington Commanders, golfing, relaxing in his man cave, and listening to his favorite genre… jazz—especially Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas Wendell Jeter, and two sisters; Joyce and Sandra Jeter. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Verona Middleton‑Jeter; daughter, Myca Jeter; sisters, Melba Piersma and Patricia Ellis; six sisters‑in‑law; two brothers‑in‑law; four grandchildren—Jasmine Jeter, Tiffany Jeter, Brandi Jeter and Maliya Blandford; two great‑grandchildren; two great‑great‑grandchildren; a special nephew, Jamal, whose consistent support was a blessing in his later years; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Emmett leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, service, and joy that will live on through all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Rest in peace, Emmett—your life was a gift, and your legacy lives on in all of us. Services to celebrate and to honor Mr. Emmett Belford Jeter, Jr. will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 505 East End Avenue, Durham, North Carolina 27703; visitation 11:00 a.m.-11:55 a.m., service 12:00 noon. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC) https://givebutter.com/empowered-parents-in-community The funeral service for Mr. Emmett B. Jeter, Jr. will be streamed live at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au44E8AP4uE

Mr. Emmett Belford Jeter, Jr.

June 21, 1932 - May 31, 2026