Jamezetta Bedford — a longtime elected official in Orange County, accountant and advocate for residents with disabilities — died on Sunday. According to her family, she died after complications from a procedure conducted on June 19. The Chapel Hill resident was 67 years old.
Following the news, local officials from across the community took to social media to share their reactions to Bedford’s passing, as well as their memories of her service to the community.
Several of Bedford’s peers on the Orange County Board of Commissioners shared their shock and sadness to the news, including Chair of the Board of Commissioners Jean Hamilton in a release through the local government. Hamilton described her colleague as a “tireless advocate of our community” and a trusted member of the board.
“Jamezetta was deeply committed to ensuring that every resident had opportunities to thrive,” the board chair added, “and she worked diligently to strengthen our schools, expand behavioral health resources, and build a brighter future for Orange County. Even in recent months, she remained focused on seeing critical projects move forward for the benefit of future generations. Her wisdom, dedication, and steady leadership will be profoundly missed.”
Commissioners Amy Fowler, Marilyn Carter and Phyllis Portie-Ascott shared their grief on social media alongside memories of Bedford.
“I am so sad and just in shock,” Commissioner Amy Fowler shared from her personal Facebook profile. “[Bedford] was such a caring colleague and mentor. She helped negotiate our budget during this difficult year and championed the Crisis Diversion Facility. She personified public service. I will miss her terribly.”
Commissioner Earl McKee — the most senior member of the elected body, having first been elected in 2010 — also shared a statement with Chapelboro saying he feels honored to have served with Bedford in various capacities.
“Jamezetta focused on ensuring that our residents, especially those most in need, received services that improved their lives,” Her attention to detail and focus on fact-based decisions helped our board with the many difficult decisions the county faced over her tenure. Her leadership will be missed.”
Karen Stegman, a former Chapel Hill Town Council member and Democratic nominee for an at-large seat on the board this fall, also shared the news and called Bedford’s death “a huge loss for our County.”
Since Bedford had served as a county commissioner for eight years, she overlapped and worked with many governmental departments and staff members — some of whom also shared their thoughts in the wake of her death.
“Commissioner Bedford approached every decision with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility,” said County Manager Travis Myren. “We mourn her loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.”
Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders worked with Bedford on several major projects, including the construction of a new EMS station in Efland, the upcoming Crisis Diversion Facility and navigating the final stages of public health during the COVID-19 pandemic after Bedford took over the chair position on the county board.
“I am so saddened to hear this news,” Saunders wrote on Facebook on Monday. “Commissioner Bedford devoted countless years to serving others, always leading with conviction, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. A strong supporter of public safety, she always sought understanding in topics she was unfamiliar with. Her voice carried wisdom, her actions reflected purpose, and her legacy will continue to shape Orange County for generations to come. She will be sorely missed by many.”
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood shared extended thoughts on Bedford, saying he knew and worked with her for years before she became a leader in the county government and had more overlap with the sheriff’s office. Although the sheriff does not answer to the county board, the government is responsible for funding the office and led to Blackwood having many conversations on and off the job with Bedford.
“I have never worked with a commissioner who was as informed about the topics which came before them, nor have I ever known anyone who was as good with the numbers as she was,” he wrote. “She had the ability to see things at a level others didn’t. She was always willing to hear me out on the issues and had a very professional way of letting you know that she appreciated your opinion even when she didn’t share the same opinion. Always respectfully, always looking after the people she represented, always the consummate professional. She will be missed and I’d like to think I’m a better person for having known her.”
Before becoming an Orange County commissioner, Bedford began her time in public office through the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district. She earned election to three terms on the CHCCS Board of Education after also serving as a PTA President for Ephesus Elementary School, and frequently drew upon her time working with the schools community to inform her decision-making as a county leader. Several members of the CHCCS community shared their condolences and memories of Bedford on Monday. That included Board of Education Chair Riza Jenkins, current Board Members Rani Dasi and George Griffin, and former CHCCS school board chair Mary Ann Wolf. Orange County Schools Board of Education members, like Bonnie Hauser and Will Atherton, posted their own thoughts and prayers to the Bedford family.
Many other local leaders beyond the Orange County government and CHCCS district shared their memories of Bedford and sadness of her passing as well, including Orange County’s state representatives Allen Buansi and Jonah Garson, Town of Chapel Hill and Town of Carrboro elected officials, and more. Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee — as well as the prior two mayors, Damon Seils and Lydia Lavelle — chimed in, as did Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and current and former Hillsborough mayors Mark Bell and Jenn Weaver.
Featured image via the Orange County government.
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