Bill Text: TX SR49 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: In memory of Pastor Curtis Jefferson Jr. of Weatherford.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2025-02-18 - Reported enrolled [SR49 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-SR49-Introduced.html

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89R11142 CW-D
By: King S.R. No. 49

R E S O L U T I O N
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 89th Texas 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.