Curtis Jefferson, Jr.

  On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the faithful and humble spirit of Pastor Curtis departed this world to spend eternity with his Lord and God. His caring and loving spirit was displayed to everyone he met. He is viewing the Holy City where the streets are pure gold and there is no more pain and sorrow. There are no needles, blood transfusions, and restless nights. He is with Jesus His Lord and his loved ones who have gone on before him. We can say with confidence that he is participating in the ‘Holy Ghost Party’ that will never stop.

  Curtis Jefferson, Jr. was born to Curtis Jefferson, Sr. and Pearlie Thomas-Jefferson, on February 1, 1945, in Wortham, Texas. He attended school at F.W. Wheeler in Wortham, Texas. He performed well in his classes and graduated Salutatorian. He was also an outstanding athlete. After graduating high school, he received a basketball scholarship from Navarro Jr. College in Corsicana, Texas. This opportunity allowed him to be the first black male to play basketball at this college. At half-time during a basketball game in February 2022, he was honored with a special presentation for this historical accomplishment at the institution.

  At an early age, he was baptized and served in various churches throughout his life. In the early sixties, he and his wife Sarah became members of the Greater Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas (pastor - Rev. H.L. Crayton). He was later directed by God to relocate back to Wortham, Texas and transferred his membership back to Beulah Baptist Church in Wortham, Texas (pastor - Rev. S. Neal).

  Pastor Curtis worked for Gulf/Chevron for 34 years retiring in 2007. In 1977 by way of this job, God relocated, his wife, four children, and himself to Weatherford, Texas where they became members of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Weatherford, Texas (pastors - Rev. Hereford, then Rev. R. Polk). In February of 1987, they moved their membership and became charter members of the New Hope Baptist Church of Weatherford, Texas where he became the founding pastor. He served faithfully for thirty-five years in this position until he retired in March of 2022.

  Pastor Emeritus Curtis Jefferson, Jr. was united in holy matrimony with Sarah Jean Thomas on March 17, 1962. To this union four children were born (Paula, Doug, Darla, and Patrick). He worked hard to provide for his family. He was an amazing grill master. He made some of the best brisket, sausage, and bolo sandwiches. He loved playing the guitar for a gospel group called the Soul Touchers of Dallas, Texas. He loved attending church, serving others, but most of all serving his Lord. 

  Prior to his death, Pastor Curtis Jefferson was honored with several honors: As mentioned previously, he was recognized at Navarro Jr. College. Just to mention a few recent ones, in 2023, he received the Roger Grizzard Roo Pride Award. In 2024, he was recognized by the Christian Men’s Fellowship of Parker County by receiving ‘The Earl King Award’ for demonstrating Christian Leadership in the community. He received a Texas Flag that was flown over the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas. There is also an endowed scholarship at Weatherford College: The New Hope Baptist Church in Honor of Curtis Jefferson Scholarship. Throughout his life, he has served on many boards and committees. He most recently was serving on the Weatherford College Foundation Board until his health began to fail.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Jefferson, Sr., and wife of fifty-two (52) years, Sarah Jean Thomas Jefferson. Also preceding him in death were his sisters: Ruby Anders, Chrissie Young, Margaret Jones, and Sandra Crutchfield; brother, Willie Jefferson; and daughter, Coach Darla Jefferson-Polk. 

  He leaves to cherish his precious memories: daughter, Paula Jefferson-Gratts (Weatherford, TX); sons, Douglas Jefferson (Weatherford, TX) and Patrick Jefferson (Arlington, TX); grandchildren, Nicole Jefferson-Theriot (Zach) (Weatherford, TX) and Andrianna Jefferson-Polk (Richardson, TX); great-granddaughter, Olivia Jean Theriot (Weatherford, TX); sister-in-law, Jewell Maddox (Ft. Worth, TX); two brothers-in-law: Robert Young (Dallas, TX) and Pastor Cecil Crutchfield (Houston, TX); one aunt, Lillie Thomas (Levelland, TX); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

  If you would like to donate instead of sending flowers, here’s the link for debit/credit card gifts:

  https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/WeatherfordCollege/OnlineDonation.html

  Select OTHER from the Gift Designation drop down menu and add name or scholarship. I would also add it to the TRIBUTE box as well.

  Or…checks can be sent to the WC Foundation. I will make sure and add any donations to the New Hope Baptist Church in Honor of Curtis Jefferson, Jr. Endowed Scholarship fund.

  The Curtis Jefferson, Jr. family

  A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church, in Weatherford, Texas. 

  His funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at North Side Baptist Church, in Weatherford, Texas.