Condolences on the Passing of Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford

[Will Atherton]

Dear Orange County Board of County Commissioners,

Dear Chair and Members of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners,
On behalf of the Orange County Board of Education, we extend our deepest condolences to you, to Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford’s family, and to all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

Commissioner Bedford’s passing is a profound loss to Orange County. She was a dedicated public servant whose leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the community made a lasting impact across our county. Her thoughtful approach to governance and her passion for service and education helped strengthen the connection between our boards and the residents we collectively serve.

Throughout her tenure, Commissioner Bedford demonstrated a sincere belief in collaboration, service and progress. Her partnership with the Board of Education and her support for initiatives that enhanced opportunities for students and families reflected her deep understanding of the importance of education as a foundation for our community's success.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she will be remembered for her warmth, her kindness, and the genuine care she showed for others. Her legacy will endure in the lives she touched and in the positive change she championed.

Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We stand with you in honoring her life and service, and we share in your grief as a community.

With deepest sympathy,

Will Atherton 
Chair Orange County Board of Education

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Phone: 919-323-8279 | Fax: 919-732-8120 | Will.Ath...@orange.k12.nc.us
www.orangecountyfirst.com   

 

All mail correspondence to and from the Orange County Schools is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

[Jean Hamilton]

Dear Chair Atherton,

 

On behalf of the BOCC, thank you for your heartfelt condolences. Commissioner Bedford was the rare combination of intelligence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to community. We all mourn the loss of such a dedicated public servant.

 

Sincerely,

Jean

 

Jean Hamilton, Chair

Orange County Board of Commissioners

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From: Will Atherton <will.ath...@orange.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 4:32 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Cc: OCS Board Members <ocsboar...@orange.k12.nc.us>; Danielle Jones <daniell...@orange.k12.nc.us>
Subject: Condolences on the Passing of Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford

 

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