Jeff's Story
Jeffery R. Brewton, Sr. (1957 – 2008) was married (20 years) and the father of a daughter and two sons. He devoted his life to family, friends and the things he loved to do. He was an ever-present figure at his children’s activities from little league to high school sports. He traveled long distances, when he was overseas - article in Gainesville Times newspaper "Football brings Dad out of Africa" captured this dedication.
Everyone who knew Jeffery, knew he loved to play golf. Sometimes he would refer to himself as “Tiger.” He always enjoyed playing a round of golf with college classmates or colleagues here in the United States whenever possible. His capacity to blend these loves was definitely a gift he enjoyed sharing with others.
Jeffery also enjoyed his job as an engineer at Chevron Oil Company for over 20 years. His dedication to the engineering profession opened doors to a prestigious international career. This allowed Jeffery the ability to travel - another love. Jeffery and his family visited many countries such as Thailand, Egypt, Tanzania, Venezuela and South Africa on Safari, just to name a few.
The seventh of ten children, Jeffery learned at an early age to respect his parents and others. Porter and Raymonde Brewton instilled many life lessons that developed his character, confidence and positive attitude.
Jeffery truly valued and nurtured relationships with people. For 30 years, he maintained ongoing relationships with many of his college classmates. Jeffery graduated in 1979 at Tuskegee University with honors, participated in Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity and the National Honor Society. The education he obtained at Tuskegee provided him with the confidence to take on the world – and he did. Jeffery loved Tuskegee University dearly. Whenever possible he would attend homecomings and fraternity outings. Most importantly, he supported the university by returning to recruit deserving engineering students for Chevron. In this respect, a scholarship in his honor continues a core principle he advocated – giving back:
“When Jeff left to work in Nigeria, it was not for the money - it was to "Pay it Forward." In other words, to share the deepwater technology and drilling knowledge he had with the folks in Nigeria. Jeff, wasn't about position or stature - it was about the legacy of knowledge that he could share with those who did not have the privileged experiences he had. It wasn't about him, but what and how he left those that he met, worked with and touched with the time God blessed him with here on earth.” - J. Dieffenbaugher, Chevron Co-worker
During his life, Jeffery touched many with his overwhelming capacity to listen and give fully from his heart. This scholarship was established to honor his memory and preserve the core values of family, education, friendship and hard work that he exemplified in his life. Students enrolled in Tuskegee University’s (Tuskegee, Alabama) College of Engineering, Architecture and Physical Science are encouraged to apply.