TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Arkansas AM&N, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), where he obtained a B.S. degree in 1958 in Mathematics Education and Agricultural Education. He then received a master's degree in math education in 1972 from Tuskegee Institute and a Ph.D. in cur- riculum instruction and mathematics from Kansas State University in 1978. Rancifer began his teaching career in 1958 in Rison, AR, where he met his wife, Jo Marva, who was also a teacher. In 1976, he transitioned to UAPB, where he served as Assistant Professor of Secondary Education, Assistant to the Dean for the UAPB College of Educa- tion (1980-1983), and Coordinator of Student Recruitment. In 1984, Dr. Rancifer was recruited to Little Rock to become the Associ- ate Superintendent of the Little Rock School District, where he served for four years,. A Life Member of the Fraternity, Rancifer previously held membership with the Pine Bluff (AR) Alumni Chap- ter, where he served as chapter advisor for the Gamma Sigma and Iota Gamma Chapters. He also led C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference from 1985 to 1988 as its national chairman. Brother Jesse L. Rancifer, Sr. was predeceased by brothers Cleveland Ran- cifer and Marshall Rancifer. Rancifer leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended fam- ily, and countless close friends. He is survived by two children, Jesse L. Ran- cifer, Jr. (Eta Lmabda 1981) and Tracey Camille Rancifer; five granddaughters, Janna Jo Rancifer (Paul); Arielle Bauch- man; Dara Rancifer; Muriel Rancifer; and Gabrielle Celeste Rancifer; and a great-granddaughter, Reiha Bauchman. He has one Goddaughter, Kelley Eu- banks. He has three sisters, Claudette R. Washington, Linda Louise Panek, and Rose Gardner, and one brother, Theo- dore Rancifer, Jr.
and infectious laughter. His attire and appearance were always on another level. He also loved to grill, travel, and work out daily. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a die-hard Michigan State basketball and football fan. He recently traveled to Atlanta, GA to support the Michigan State Uni- versity football team at the 2021 Peach Bowl. His last work as a member of the Fraternity was preparing to serve as a charter member and Lt. Strategus of the Frisco (TX) Alumni Chapter, but he transitioned immediately before the chartering ceremony. Brother Sherrod F. Johnson was pro- ceeded in death by his loving parents; brothers Curtis Johnson, Sr. Charles Johnson, Sr., Smith Johnson, Jr., Smitty Tyrone Johnson, and sister Betty Jean Foote. He is survived by his precious and loving children Aarien, Miyah, Imondre', Blyeeth, Mikyl, Deandre, and Keith; grandchildren Ariyanna, Samyria, Micah, Mikyl Jr. and Omarri; sisters Diane (Earl) Crowder and Rochelle Johnson, Deborah Johnson, and Vernice Grover; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, life-long friends and fraternity brothers including his beloved Delta Pi line brothers known as 14 Karat Gold. Submitted by Martin Raxton
Sherrod F. Johnson 1964-2022 Automotive Logistics Executive
Sherrod F. Johnson (Delta Pi 1984) entered the Chapter Invis- ible on February 21, 2022, at the age of 57 as a result of injuries sustained during
a traffic accident in Tyler, TX. Sherrod Fitzgerald Johnson was born March 8, 1964, in Flint, MI, to Smith Johnson, Sr., and Willie B. (née Jones) Johnson, who proceeded him in death. As a child, Johnson was academically gifted and was placed in the gifted program at Walker Elementary School. He ac- cepted Christ as His Lord and Savior at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Rev. Dr. Granville Smith, Jr. Johnson contin- ued to excel and graduated with honors from Flint’s Hamady High School and played on the varsity basketball team. He earned a B.S. degree in mechani- cal engineering from Michigan State University. cHe was initiated into the Michigan State University Chapter, the Delta Pi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on May 25, 1984. While a student at Michigan State, he was a dormitory resident assistant, active in Black stu- dent government, intramural basketball, and modeled in several fashion shows. Professionally, Ford Motor Corpora- tion employed Johnson as a supervisor for many years. He accepted an offer at Android Industries in Flint, MI as a supervisor for several years before trans- ferring with the company to Arlington, Texas. Johnson had a huge heart and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone. He loved his family and was a devoted and loving father and friend. He enjoyed life and interacting with people from all walks of life. He was known for being suave and debonair with a captivating personality, smile,
Jesse L. Rancifer, Sr. 1936-2022 Arkansas Educator
Dr. Jesse L. Rancifer Sr. (Pine Bluff (AR) Alumni 1962) entered the Chap- ter Invisible surrounded by loving fam- ily on May 21,
2022, at 85. The third of six chil- dren to the late Theodore Ranci- fer, Sr. and Verine Rancifer, Jesse
Lee Rancifer, was born on June 15, 1936, in the Wolfe Project Community near the cities of Tillar and McGe- hee, AR. He then attended college at
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