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