Hakeem Jeffries announces death of father at 85

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced the death of his father on Monday, saying the elder Jeffries “died peacefully in his sleep” on Sunday.

Jeffries’s congressional office released a statement on New Year’s Day announcing the House Democratic leader’s father, Marland Jeffries, had died at the age of 85 on Dec. 31, 2023.

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“Mr. Jeffries died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Sunday, December 31, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Laneda, two sons, five grandchildren, brother and a host of family and friends throughout the country,” the statement said.

“Marland Jeffries, a graduate of Central State University in Ohio and Columbia University in New York, and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will be dearly missed. Those who love him are thankful for the full life that he lived,” the statement said.

In concluding the announcement, Jeffries’s office requested privacy as the House Democratic leader’s family mourns.

“The Jeffries family asks for privacy at this time,” the statement said. “May God bless and watch over your family and loved ones in 2024.”

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Marland Jeffries was a substance abuse counselor, with Hakeem Jeffries saying once that his “public service spirit” came from his upbringing by his parents.

Hakeem Jeffries has been House Democratic leader since former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stepped down from leadership at the end of 2022.