AFGE Mourns Passing of Labor Leader Dorothy Jefferson
August 10, 2020
Categories:
The Insider
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council Treasurer Dorothy Jefferson.
Dorothy Reece Jefferson was the first female to hold the position of Treasurer with the National Veterans Affairs Council 53 and had continuously been re-elected to this position for more than 27 years, most recently in November 2019.
While working for the council and contributing to its success, Dorothy served on countless committees, including the Title 38 Committee, Conflict Resolution, EEO, Site Committee, Budget, as well as serving as the Women’s Coordinator for Council 53.
Dorothy attended the University of South Carolina and obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in 1980. She began her nursing career at the Dorn VA Medical Center, where she was a psychiatric staff nurse and also held an assistant head nurse position. During her tenure at the Dorn VA, she held the position of secretary of AFGE Local 1915, as well as a steward for the local. She also previously held the position of president of the South Carolina State Council of AFGE, and secretary-treasurer, for which she served over 10 years. Additionally, Dorothy was the secretary-treasurer for the 5th District NVAC Council. She was a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc. Delta Eta Chapter and served as Treasurer for two years.
Upon retiring from the Dorn VAMC in 2000, Dorothy continued caring for others and lived her life with that mindset. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, singing in her church choir, volunteering her time at the RAM Foundation, and playing BINGO!
Dorothy touched so many people’s lives with her huge heart and her contagious smile. She will always be remembered for her leadership, her nurturing ways, and her continued dedication. She has contributed so much to moving Council 53 forward. She will be missed beyond measure.
Dorothy’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers/plants that you make a charitable contribution in remembrance of Dorothy to a charity that was near and dear to her heart, The Ram Foundation, which you can do on their website at theramsc.org. They can be reached at (803) 479-3373.
