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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s family announced on Friday that the Texas Congresswoman had died after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lee’s family released a statement which was posted to her official X account on Friday evening.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 20, 2024
“Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” the statement began.
“A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years,” in continued. “A local, national, and. International humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children.”
“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother). She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy,” the official statement concluded. “God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”
A number of colleagues and friends offered their tributes to the late Congresswoman via X, including Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) who noted that despite their political differences, he had been proud to work with Lee on several initiatives.
“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a devoted leader, a proud-fellow Houstonian, and someone who I was proud to call a friend,” he said. “Although we had our political disagreements, there were many moments with her, both public and private that showed me that bipartisanship and service to country first can still bring members of Congress together.”
“In these divided times, Congresswoman Lee and I were able to partner on several legislative initiatives for the city of the Houston. Her steadfast commitment to serving the people of Houston and her tireless work have left an indelible mark on our community and our nation. Her legacy of dedication and compassion will continue to inspire us all,” he added. “Emily and I extend our thoughts and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched and those she served.”
It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a devoted leader, a proud-fellow Houstonian, and someone who I was proud to call a friend.
Although we had our political disagreements, there were many moments with her, both public… https://t.co/vbG5UdlCca
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) July 20, 2024
Lee announced her diagnosis just over a month prior to her passing.
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