A memorial service was held Aug. 2 at Monumental Baptist Church, Jersey City, for Theodore Brunson, Sr. He passed away July 21 at his home. He was born in Jersey City, the son of Cubit and Victoria Brunson. Theodore Brunson, Sr. and Maude Turner Brunson were united in marriage in 1956, and to this union two children were born, Theodore Brunson, Jr. and Neal Brunson, Esq. Theodore Brunson, Sr., or ‘Ted’ as he was so fondly called by most, graduated high school in Jersey City and received his B.S. degree in psychology and accounting from Rutgers College in 1954.
Ted also graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and rose to the rank of 3rd Officer. His service in the Merchant Marines was distinguished with three combat zone ribbons during World War II. Ted also served in the Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1956. Ted worked as a group manager for the Internal Revenue Service and during his time there he was a founding member of AIMIRS, (The Association for the Improvement of Minorities), a national organization that promoted opportunities for federal minority employees of the IRS.
Ted was committed to promoting African-American education and culture in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. While on the executive board of the Jersey City NAACP, Ted worked with Thomas Taylor to promote African-American history in the local schools and community. These efforts would later lead to the creation of the African-American Historical Society Museum, Inc. Over the years the museum has amassed a large collection of art, artifacts and books, in large part due to the efforts of Ted Brunson.
Theodore Brunson, Sr. is survived by his wife, Maude Brunson; two sons, Theodore Brunson, Jr. and Neal Brunson, Esq.; two daughters in law, Judith Brunson and Keline Adams; three sisters, Thelma Gregory, Christina Spaulding Brunson and Idell Stewart (deceased); five grandchildren, Theodore Brunson III, Kayla Brunson, Shelby Brunson, Samantha Brunson and Lindsay Brunson; two sisters in law, Ellen Miller and Carlyne Turner; three brothers in law, Calvin Miller, Henry Turner and Horace Turner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Services arranged by the Jackson Funeral Residence, Jersey City.