Dr. Byron Anthony Jeff

Dr. Byron Anthony Jeff was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 19, 1965, to Mrs. Florence

Calvin Jeff and the late Dr. Morris F.X. Jeff Jr. He was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana,

alongside his parents, siblings, and a large, loving extended family. Born into a household

dedicated to public service and learning, his father served as the Director of Social Work

for the City of New Orleans, and his mother was a dedicated educator.

Growing up in New Orleans, Byron was an exceptionally strong student with an insatiable

love for knowledge. He recalled being acquainted with his first computer at about 11 years

old, describing the experience as "love at first sight" - a moment that sparked a lifelong,

deep fascination with computers and technology. He graduated from St. Augustine High

School in 1983 as a prestigious National Presidential Scholar. He then took his talents to

the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1987, his

Master's degree in 1989, and his Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2005.

Dr. Jeff spent his professional years as a deeply dedicated professor, shaping minds at

Clark Atlanta University, the DeVry Institute, and Clayton State University. He joined the

faculty at Clayton State University in August 2003, where he would serve with distinction for

over two decades. From 2010 to 2015, his leadership led the campus forward as the Chair

of the Computer Science and Information Technology Department. As an accomplished

researcher, Dr. Jeff published extensively in numerous cutting-edge areas, including

multimedia systems, information security, the application of computing systems for

computing education, and collaborative development and learning. He was a tireless

teacher, mentor, and guide until June 2026, when he officially retired and was honored as

an Associate Professor, Emeritus.

Beyond the classroom, Byron's passions were truly limitless. A true polymath, he enjoyed

many genres of music including jazz, funk, soul, and his self-proclaimed guilty pleasure,

gospel music. He was an accomplished musician who played the sousaphone in his high

school marching band and the piano both in his high school jazz band and throughout his

entire life. Anyone who knew Byron knew he always had a project in motion. Whether he

was attempting to build his own electric lawnmower or automating household fixtures, he

constantly applied his vast knowledge of technology to improvise brilliant solutions in

every aspect of his life. He also poured his heart into his community as a passionate

mentor and coach for the high school robotics team, the VCOC RoboKnights.

Byron was an uncompromising, avid New Orleans Saints fan- frequently joking that he was

"a Saints fan in ATL hell." Following the Saints' historic 2010 Super Bowl victory, Byron pledged to wear a piece of Saints memorabilia every single day. His family happily enabled

this passion, gifting him Saints gear for every holiday, birthday, and celebration. He was

most recognizable by his massive selection of Saints baseball caps, many of which were

personally embroidered just for him.

Above all else, Dr. Byron Anthony Jeff was an exemplary son, brother, uncle, husband,

father, and grandfather. While his professional and intellectual achievements were vast,

the true measure of his life was found in his profound devotion to the people he loved. His

every action exemplified the traits of a supportive, fiercely loyal, and deeply loving human

being.

Byron's greatest joy was simply spending time with his family and lifelong friends. He

anchored his household with wisdom, patience, and an enduring sense of humor - joking

that even living in "ATL hell" as a die-hard Saints fan couldn't dampen his spirit, so long as

he was surrounded by his loved ones.

He was incredibly blessed to spend his final weeks wrapped in the warmth of those who

meant the most to him. His family and friends will forever hold dear the memory of their

last major gathering together: a beautiful, combined celebration honoring his milestone

birthday, Father's Day, and his well-deserved retirement as an Associate Professor,

Emeritus. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, music, stories, and the abundant

love that defined his entire life. Byron's gentle guidance, boundless curiosity, and generous

heart leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and comfort his family for

generations to come.

Dr. Byron Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dr. Morris F.X. Jeff Jr.

He leaves to treasure his memory, his devoted wife, Karen Jeff; his children, David Varnado

Sr., Jamila Jeff, Jaelyn Jeff, and Jihan Jeff; and his cherished grandchildren, David Varnado

Jr. and Zahara Varnado. He is also survived by his loving mother, Florence Jeff; his siblings,

Janine Baah and Dean "Khalfani" Jeff; Brothers-in-laws, Edward Lister (Myrna) and Keith

Wallace; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, former students,

and colleagues.

His profound impact on countless lives will be forever remembered and cherished.