Singer Ceybil Jefferies has passed away after being diagnosed with Coronavirus, according to Vibe.
Aaron Parr confirmed the news about his friend’s death on his Facebook account. “So sad about the passing of my friend,” he wrote. “A ride or die chick and my co artist who slammed the dance floor from day one til this day because she gave us all love and she made you feel special. RIP C.J.”
Jefferies, also known as Sweet Sable, became successful with house music and R&B in the 90s. She is most known for her songs “Old Times’ Sake” and “So Special.” As time progressed, Jefferies’ image changed to keep up with the times. She opted for the tomboy look much like that of Aaliyah, TLC, and Xscape.
Her single “Old Times’ Sake” was placed on the Above The Rim soundtrack. The single reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Chart and landed at No. 15 on the Billboard R&B Charts back in 1994.
Jefferies continued to create music into the 2000s, but her health began to deteriorate. She was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects your nervous system, such as your brain or spinal cord. The disease also caused Jefferies to lose her vision.
Back in 2012, her family held a fundraiser to celebrate her music and raise money for her medical bills.
“Her vision might be gone, but her spirits are so high,” her sister told Video Music Box. “She always has an encouraging word to say to somebody and our mother raised us that way. It’s not over till it’s over. We believe that God is the greatest power and we will not be defeated by anything that happens in our life.”
REVOLT would like to send our condolences to Jefferies’ family and friends. RIP.