[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CLIFTON J. JEFFERSON

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a former 
mayor, educator and businessman who dedicated his life to his hometown 
of Lynchburg, South Carolina. The town is dedicating a park in honor of 
the late Clifton J. Jefferson on October 6, 2007, and I believe it is 
fitting that the U.S. Congress honors his public service as well.
  Clifton Jefferson was born in Lynchburg on September 10, 1923. Raised 
by his grandparents, John and Carrie Jefferson, Clifton attended 
Lynchburg public schools until he reached high school. At that time, he 
moved to Florence to attend Wilson High School, and upon graduation 
matriculated at South Carolina State College.
  Clifton Jefferson didn't come from a wealthy family, and he had to 
perform odd jobs to help pay for school. But he had a tremendous work 
ethic and real rapport with his fellow students. They affectionately 
called him ``Jeff,'' and elected him president of the Senior class at 
South Carolina State. He earned a bachelors degree in agriculture in 
1946, and then decided to move to Baltimore, Maryland where he pursued 
further studies at Howard University, Morgan State, and the University 
of Maryland. At the time, Jeff helped integrate the University of 
Maryland as its first black student. He stayed on in Baltimore for 
eight years, but returned home when he was needed to care for his 
ailing grandmother.
  Back at home in Lynchburg, Clifton Jefferson worked in the Lee County 
Public School System for 32 years. He began as a classroom teacher, 
became an assistant principal at Fleming Elementary and Mt. Pleasant 
High School, and went on to become principal of Bishopville Junior High 
School. He also held positions as assistant director of Lee County 
Vocational School, now known as the Lee County Career & Technology 
Center, and as coordinator of the Old Ceta Program, now Project ACT. 
All the while, he owned and operated Jefferson Funeral Home in 
Lynchburg.
  Breaking color barriers was a common theme of Clifton Jefferson's 
life. He was elected the first black mayor of Lynchburg, and served his 
community for 16 consecutive years in that role. Some of his major 
accomplishments included integrating the Lee County sheriff's 
department, the county court house, and various agencies. He also 
brought the first Head Start program to Lynchburg.
  During his tenure, Mayor Jefferson was instrumental in investing in 
his town's infrastructure by improving the water, sewer, and drainage 
systems, creating two parks, and increasing the number of town 
employees to provide services to the community. He also established the 
first Christmas parade and magnolia festival in Lynchburg.
  Clifton Jefferson was an active member of Warren Chapel United 
Methodist Church, and held various positions on boards in Lee County 
and in South Carolina. His memberships included: the South Carolina 
Conference of Black Mayors, National Conference of Black Mayors, the 
World Conference of Black Mayors, South Carolina Municipal Association, 
Lee County Teachers Association, South Carolina Teachers Association, 
National Teachers Association, NAACP, Lee County Chapter of SC State 
Alumni, South Carolina Morticians Association, National Morticians 
Association, Florence Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and 
the National Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
  He was married to the former Gwendolyn Weaver, and the couple had six 
children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and all the members of this esteemed body to 
join me in recognizing the extraordinary work of Clifton J. Jefferson. 
I also commend the Town of Lynchburg for honoring their late mayor's 
great work by naming a park in his memory. This will serve as a lasting 
tribute for a gentle giant, who loved his hometown and succeeded in 
making it a better place.

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