The Passmore Center in Hillsborough was standing room only on Sunday afternoon, as hundreds of people gathered to remember and honor John “Blackfeather” Jeffries.
Jeffries, a figure known for a variety of reasons across Orange County and central North Carolina, died on January 24 at the age of 83. Having lived in the Hillsborough area for much of his life, and become involved in many organizations, Jeffries was known as one of the area’s more recognizable characters.
The public tribute, hosted by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the artistic initiative Spirit Freedom and the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, was held weeks after Jeffries’ family held a private ceremony – which was reportedly one of his last requests.
Sandwiched between traditional drum performances, many people stood up to share their memories of Jeffries. Some broke out into song while others played music. Some fought back tears, while others sparked laughter — including one of Jeffries’ former schoolmates who unfurled four pages of notes taped together for his remarks.
Vivette Jeffries-Logan (center, front) stands with other Occaneechi community members to address the crowd during Sunday’s tribute to her father, John “Blackfeather Jeffries.
A woman plays a musical instrument as a tribute to John “Blackfeather” Jeffries at the Passmore Center.
Jeffries was born in 1939 and grew up around many extended family members despite being an only child. He graduated from Central High School and spent a couple of years attending college at what would become North Carolina A&T State University.
Sunday’s tribute was broken up into the four seasons of Jeffries’ life. Stories were shared from his childhood, his time in the Marine Corps after college, his role as a father, and his role in the Occaneechi community. Jeffries was described as a “warrior” for honoring, preserving, and teaching his tribe’s heritage – with some of his archives kept by UNC Libraries and his story told by many local groups.
Perhaps Jeffries’ most visible contribution is a distinct landmark in Hillsborough: a replica village of his ancestors, just off of the town’s Riverwalk.
Former Mayor Tom Stevens shared thoughts on Sunday about Jeffries’ efforts to create and restore the display over the course of decades – with the latest reconstruction being completed in 2017.
“Blackfeather was forever learning and teaching us,” said Stevens, “about the old ways, about history, about the heritage of the first peoples here. His endearing and enduring legacy is the replica of the Occaneechi village that is in our community.”
John Jeffries (left) speaks with then Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens in 2016 at the site of the Occaneechi Replica Village. (Photo via Mark Shultz and Visit Hillsborough NC.)
But long before, Jeffries also served as an instrumental figure in reforming the Occaneechi’s tribe. During the 1980s, the band of the Saponi nation regrouped in Alamance, Orange and surrounding countries and later pushed to be officially recognized by North Carolina – another effort to which Jeffries contributed. “Blackfeather” held the tribe’s chairman position for a few years, served on the tribal council for decades, and was considered a tribal elder until his death.
Current Tribal Chair Tony Hayes spoke at the ceremony and credited Jeffries with also maintaining much of the community’s culture. In addition to crafting bows and arrows, Hayes said Jeffries helped raise the Occaneechi’s profile by representing them at different tribal events and festivals he emceed across the east coast.
“His importance is too great to fully explain,” said Hayes. “In short, he is the embodiment of the tribe, he broke barriers, and carried the load for all of us when there were very few of us carrying a load.
“But, as people have told you,” the tribal chair added, “he was just Johnny to us. And we all know what that means and, more importantly, how it makes you feel. Because that’s the mark of a man who [is known for] not necessarily anything that he’s done, but what he makes you feel [in your heart].”
Photos of John Jeffries and different tribal events he participated in lined the gymnasium of the Passmore Center at the community’s tribute to the former tribal elder.
Photo via the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau.
That’s how many others at the ceremony remembered John Jeffries. Person after person approached the microphone to shares stories about “Blackfeather” and how he touched their lives. As a Boy Scout leader, who earned Eagle Scout at a young age. As a camp lifeguard, who would let kids into the pool even when they weren’t allowed. As a member of the Northern Orange Rescue Squad, who would be called individually by parents when their children suffered injuries. As a spiritual guide, who helped people improve their connections to nature. Even as a regular at the local Waffle House, where he would strike up conversations with whatever friends were there too.
Vivette Jeffries-Logan, John’s daughter, spoke on Sunday and thanked everyone in attendance. She praised the support of the Occaneechi community, but also the broader community who are part of her father’s legacy.
“You will each carry a part of him as you move through your life,” said Jeffries-Logan, “because I know that John Hayles Jeffries – also [known as] “Blackfeather” – is not a man that is easily forgotten.”
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