From staff reports

DURHAM -- Jeffrey Elliot, a prominent scholar who taught political science at N.C. Central University for nearly 30 years, was buried Wednesday at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Dr. Elliot died Saturday at 62 after a battle with cancer.

The chairman of the political science department at NCCU, he was a prolific writer and the author or editor of more than 150 books and numerous magazine articles. He had been nominated for more than 70 literary awards.

Dr. Elliot, who interviewed over the years a number of world leaders, including Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, specialized in both American politics and government as well as in foreign policy.

Over the last year, he had spoken extensively about the presidency of Barack Obama, and the impact of Obama's election on black America.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Elliot was deeply involved in the local community. He served, among other roles, as chairman of the Durham County Youth Services Advisory Board and was a member of the Durham Housing Authority Crime Prevention Board.

Dr. Elliot is survived by his sister, Janine Pariser, and her daughter Lili, of California and by numerous friends and colleagues.