“I’ve always been blessed enough to be in a situation where if things aren’t as good for me, they don’t feel as low as they do in the moment because I’m always surrounded with love, and I always have constant reminders that I can do this.” Being raised in the close-knit Dunbar community of Georgetown County, Melissa Jefferson has always felt the support of her people.
But to help her reach where she is now – a 2-time Olympic medalist, World Championship Gold medalist, NCAA Champion, etc. – her parents have played a key supportive role. Thus, as fans, we are sure you might be curious to know just who the folks are who have nurtured Jefferson into this stage? Well, if that’s the case, then let us take a deep dive into the parents of Jefferson.
Who is Melissa Jefferson’s father?
Hailing from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Melissa’s father, Melvin Jefferson, went to Howard High School (now merged to form Georgetown High School). Following that, he would go to Cathedral Bible College to study theological education. As a professional, he has done a few jobs, ranging from maintenance worker at the Broogreen Gardens, to residential lawn care work on the side.
But one important role he had as a father was to go to Melissa’s track meet when she was little to cheer her on. He told the Georgetown Times in August 2024 how he would be with all the parents at the finish line, shouting instructions and encouragement. “They don’t know where to go. It was so funny, and we have to go to the finish line (and say), ‘Come on, baby! Run, run, run, run, run!’ And they see us at the finish line, and they just take off,” Melvin shared, remembering how it all started.
He has always been so proud of his Olympian daughter. But Melvin is truly indebted to his daughter for his life. Sounds too serious? Well, what if we say Melissa Jefferson saved her father from cancer? In 2017, at the age of 58, he started feeling excessively tired, which led them to go to the doctor. A bone marrow biopsy in February 2018 showed he had myelodysplastic syndrome — an early form of leukemia.
The condition he had, the bone marrow, wasn’t producing enough white blood cells needed for the immune system. He needed a bone marrow transplant; he needed a donor. As the search went on, he had to undergo chemotherapy and more bone marrow biopsies for analysis, which, mind you, are quite painful in themselves. No perfect match was found, that is, until a minor 17-year-old Melissa volunteered.
When no donor match was being found, she knew it would be her. Destiny has a pattern. But she wasn’t forced, as she said to WMBF News: “They always made sure that I knew that I didn’t have to do this, but I was like, It’s my dad, I’m going to do it because I want him around for a long time.” It was a successful procedure. During the recovery period of 100-day isolation, he had to fight off a bout of life-threatening rhinovirus.
Eventually, after a long battle, he became cancer-free. “She was my second chance,” Melvin said to the Georgetown Times in August 2024. “God allowed me another chance. I’m just so grateful.” And further elaborating on what a special human being Melissa Jefferson is, he shared that soon after that, she would be the Homecoming Queen. Then, she would also win the state 100-meter title.
As for Melvin Jefferson, he now partakes in activities that have less physical exertion and require less stamina. He doesn’t do maintenance work anymore. Rather, he has learned a new skill in video editing. Speaking to Myrtle Beach Online in March 2022, he said she shares his daughter’s sprints on YouTube: “Because I believe that her story has got to be told.” He added, “ The journey was not easy for her to get where she is now, and we’re all a part of it, and we’re all so proud to be a part of it.”
Well, his way of life has changed since the condition in 2017 and the subsequent treatment. He has become more sensitive to cold temperatures. But he still goes for walks, and he also cooks. And he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “All of her stuff is in me, I just don’t have the speed,” joked Melissa’s father about having her blood, but not her speed.
Well, that he is doing well is the best news for the family. Melissa Jefferson wants both his parents to see and revel in the heights their daughter reaches.
Who is the Olympian’s Mother?
Melissa’s mother is Johanna Jefferson, who has been a public housing manager of the Georgetown Housing Authority since 1989. Additionally, she is also a minister at the Lighthouse of Jesus Christ Independent Non Denominational Church, along with her husband, Melvin. Being a Georgetown native herself, she went to Choppee High School, after which she studied at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
She worked for some time at MaFlo’s Hairstyles & Designs by Marilyn. However, the majority of her professional life has been spent as a public housing manager. And when Johanna Jefferson is not doing that, she is accompanying her husband to go watch Melissa in all her track meets. They have traveled extensively, going wherever their daughter has competed. And that has meant even going to Paris.
“It’s good when we’re sharing at home, but actually, to be there to cheer, to yell to scream, it’s like I’m the only person in that stadium, and I try to let my voice be heard,” said a proud Johanna to Counton2.com on 31 July 2024. She wants her girl to hear her and run so fast, just run freely like the wind. And in a way, Melissa’s Jefferson did. Bringing home the bronze in the 100m sprint.
She has been the protective guardian for her family, always taking care of her husband and her 6 children. Their unconditional care meant her family never felt neglected and unloved. Even when Melvin was in isolation after the bone marrow transplant, she was there with him. When he was fighting alternating burning fevers and freezing chills during his rhinovirus illness, she supported him as they prayed and recited scriptures, singing songs about the Holy Father.
Divinity helped them get through it, and Johanna helped Melvin not go through all this alone. After all, that’s what family does. Together, they have not only raised a happy family, but they have also inspired goodwill and brotherhood in the Dunbar community. They look out for each other and celebrate each other’s success. As they did Melissa Jefferson’s Paris triumph.
What is Melissa Jefferson’s Parents’ Nationality?
Melvin and Johanna Jefferson are both American citizens. Being natives of South Carolina and Georgetown, they have seen it all. And they have taught their daughters the right values and the culture which makes them so proud and unique.
And that special something can be easily seen in Melissa Jefferson. That’s why she has joined the Grand Slam Track. Gabby Thomas, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and Masai Russell – huge superstars will go off against one another. Melissa Jefferson believes she can take them on. It has become very interesting!!
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