SR49 - In memory of Curtis Jefferson Jr. of Weatherford.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 49       In Memory   of   Curtis Jefferson Jr.            WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew   to a close with the passing of Pastor Curtis Jefferson Jr. of   Weatherford on November 10, 2024, at the age of 79; and            WHEREAS, Curtis Jefferson was born to Curtis Jefferson Sr.   and Pearlie Thomas-Jefferson on February 1, 1945, in Wortham, and   he grew up with the companionship of five siblings, Ruby,   Chrissie, Margaret, Sandra, and Willie; after graduating from   the F. W. Wheeler School for African American students, where he   distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete and salutatorian   of his class, he went on to attend Navarro Junior College,   becoming the school's first Black basketball player; and            WHEREAS, On March 17, 1962, Mr. Jefferson exchanged   wedding vows with the former Sarah Jean Thomas, and they shared a   fulfilling marriage that spanned more than five decades before   her passing; together, the couple raised four children, Paula,   Douglas, Darla, and Patrick, and through the years,   Mr. Jefferson had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to   include two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; and            WHEREAS, Beginning in 1973, Mr. Jefferson worked for Gulf   South Pipeline in Wortham and then for Chevron Pipe Line in   Weatherford, spending 34 years with the companies; in 1987, he   embarked on a distinguished career in the ministry, establishing   New Hope Baptist Church in Weatherford as founding pastor; he   served as the church's only pastor for three and a half decades   until his retirement in 2022, and he preached at other area   churches as well; civically engaged, he gave generously of his   time to a number of boards and committees, including the   Weatherford College Foundation Board, and he also coached youth   sports; among many accolades, he received the Earl King Award   from the Christian Men's Fellowship of Parker County, and the   Weatherford City Council proclaimed March 27, 2022, as Pastor   Curtis Jefferson Day in his honor; and            WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his faith, and his   community, Curtis Jefferson earned the lasting respect and   admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now,   therefore, be it            RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Pastor Curtis   Jefferson Jr. and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of   his family: to his children, Paula Jefferson-Gratts, Douglas   Jefferson, and Patrick Jefferson; to his grandchildren, Nicole   Jefferson-Theriot and her husband, Zach, and Andrianna   Jefferson-Polk; to his great-granddaughter, Olivia Jean Theriot;   to his sister-in-law, Jewell Maddox; to his brothers-in-law,   Robert Young and Pastor Cecil Crutchfield; to his aunt, Lillie   Thomas; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further            RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns   this day, it do so in memory of Curtis Jefferson.     King                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on February 18, 2025,     by a rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate