South Carolina H 5227: Train signal

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5227 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 24, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5227

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Indicates New Matter

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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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This web page was last updated on February 24, 2026 at 12:56 PM