Velma Marjorie Dreyfus Jeter, educator and civic leader spent her life promoting and fighting for the rights of all people. A nationally renowned civil rights activist, she became known as the Rosa Parks of Texas. Jeter was born on July 15, 1903 in New Iberia, Louisiana to Victoria Smith Dreyfus and Jules Dreyfus. Her father was a politician and held the post of Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, of the Louisiana Legislature, until his death. At the age of 12, she moved to Port Arthur, TX and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1920 as Valedictorian of the class. In 1922 she began her career as a teacher in Port Arthur and later married Dr. Clell Edward Jeter in 1926. Jeter received a B.A. from Prairie View A & M University in 1932 and an M.A. from Texas Southern University in 1952 in addition to completing post graduate work at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, the University of California at Berkeley and Lamar University at Beaumont. Jeter's career as an educator lasted for 45 years where she taught English and Social Studies at both Port Arthur and Orange. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1965. In addition, she was a Life Member of the National Education Association. A tireless civic leader, Jeter served on the Council of Aging under Governor Mark White, where he named her "The Yellow Rose of Texas" for her dedication to civic causes. Honored numerous times by the NAACP, receiving the Civil Rights Award for her service from 1950 to 1987, she also served as President of its local chapter in 1980. Other honors include Black Texan of Distinction in 1970, Orange County Citizen of the Year in 1983, Sojourner Truth Award, Women of Courage Award, Governor's Award for Public Service and entrance to the Black Women's Hall of Fame in 1986, and Texas Delegate to the Democratic National Convention at the age of 93 in 1996. In addition, Jeter held leadership positions in various civic organizations including Chairperson of the Orange Housing Authority Board; President of the National Dental Auxiliary, Jurisdictional Secretary of Weslayan Service Guild of the United Methodist Church; Area Director of the Top Ladies of Distinction; President of Mary Alphia District Association of Colored Women's Club and many others. Velma Jeter's devotion to education, service, civil rights and achievement earned her the respect of all people both locally and nationally. Even after her death in 1998, Mrs. Jeter's impact on our community continues through the efforts of the Velma Jeter Foundation, which awards $500 scholarships to local students.

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