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Union Today
By the People, for the People
Union County to Honor Former Coach Willie Jeffries and Wife
Dawkins House to be renamed The Willie and Mary Jeffries' Commons
Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:19pm
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A community honors its local sports heroes and philanthropists through the renaming of a campus building.Union TodayFormer South Carolina State football coach Willie Jeffries and his wife Mary will be honored in Union County, South Carolina, with the Dawkins House on the campus of Union County High School being renamed The Willie and Mary Jeffries' Commons in recognition of their contributions to the community.
Why it matters
Willie Jeffries had a storied coaching career at South Carolina State, leading the team to multiple conference championships and earning induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. His and his wife's community service and philanthropic efforts have also made a lasting impact in Union County and the surrounding region.
The details
The renaming ceremony for the Dawkins House, which serves as a community center on the Union County High School campus, will take place on April 26th. Jeffries coached at South Carolina State from 1973 to 1978 and again from 1989 to 1999, leading the team to five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Both Willie and Mary Jeffries have been actively involved in numerous charitable and community organizations in Union County over the decades.
- The renaming ceremony for the Dawkins House will take place on April 26, 2026.
The players
Willie Jeffries
Former head football coach at South Carolina State University, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mary Jeffries
Wife of Willie Jeffries, known for her community service and philanthropic efforts in Union County, South Carolina.
Dawkins House
A community center on the campus of Union County High School in South Carolina.
What they’re saying
“Willie and Mary Jeffries have been pillars of this community for decades, and it's only fitting that we honor their legacy by renaming this important community space after them.”
— Union County Schools Superintendent
The takeaway
This renaming ceremony is a testament to the lasting impact that dedicated community leaders like the Jeffries can have, and serves as an inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps of service and giving back.
