A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JESSIE BENJAMIN JEFFCOAT AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jessie Benjamin Jeffcoat on February 15, 2026, at the venerable age of eighty-two; and

 

Whereas, on August 14, 1943, through Jessie Daniel and Louise Gissantenner Jeffcoat, the earth was blessed with the arrival of Jessie Jeffcoat, a soul who would shine brightly in more ways than imaginable. The prophet Jeremiah declared a truth that would embody the journey young Jessie would experience throughout his life: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11); and

 

Whereas, from the sharecropping fields of Lexington County and the humble beginnings of Gaston, South Carolina, the world would come to know the legendary voice of a man born to bless others. His gift was shaped by a family life steeped in spirituality and reverence. Jessie was a songster whose voice was not only anointed but also deeply inspiring and soul-stirring. He was a storyteller who could capture attention with just a few words carried on his rich baritone; and

 

Whereas, educated in the schools of Lexington County, Jessie immersed himself in work and built a career and business in the construction industry as a drywall contractor. Jessie's company, Jeffcoat Drywall, thrived, providing employment for many and earning more than enough to care for his family while building a lasting legacy; and

 

Whereas, concerning his spiritual life, Brother Jessie attended Gaston Fire Baptized Holiness Church and was a committed member and lead singer of the Voices of Zion. He served as trustee assistant and took pride in making some of the best homemade lemonade for their church functions; and

 

Whereas, though his days were filled with labor, his evenings and weekends were devoted to blessing people everywhere through the instrument of his voice. The Sensational Five Singing Sons called the town of North home, yet these willing vessels carried the gospel message throughout the United States with songs such as "I'm Yours, Lord," "Don't Forget the Bridge," "Drawing From the Well," "Hotel Happiness," "Running for My Life," and, most notably, the hit "Pouring Water on a Drowning Man"; and

 

Whereas, Jessie never met a stranger, and he showed and received love wherever he went. He embodied John 13:34, 35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"; and

 

Whereas, Jessie married the love of his life, the former Mary Dibble, and from this union two beloved children were born, Kelvin Sebastian and Hope Marae; and

 

Whereas, Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by four siblings, Wilhelmina Williams, Daisy Davis, John Jeffcoat, and A.Z. Jeffcoat. He leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife of fifty six years, Mary Dibble Jeffcoat; his children, Kelvin Sebastian Jeffcoat and Hope Marae Jeffcoat, both of Gaston; three siblings, Carnell Jeffcoat (Ivory), the Reverend Dennis Jeffcoat (Willie Mae), and Barbara Ann Jeffcoat, all of Gaston; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Jessie Benjamin Jeffcoat and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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