Sheila Jackson Lee, longtime Texas house Democrat Representative died on Friday night July 19. She was 74.
She was most known for helping pass laws to protect women from domestic violence and to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
Per Lillie Conley, her chief of staff, Lee died surrounded by her family. The Congresswoman announced she had pancreatic cancer on June 2.
Her family issued a statement to announce Lee’s passing.
“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,” her family said.
“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.”
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy,” her family added.
Lee had represented her Texas 18th Houston area district and the country’s fourth-largest city since 1995.
As a member of the Democratic Party, she was known for her commitment to civil rights, social justice, and healthcare reform. Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Before her time in Congress, she served as a municipal judge and a member of the Houston City Council.
Throughout her career, Jackson Lee has been an advocate for policies aimed at reducing economic inequality and improving the lives of marginalized communities. She has consistently championed healthcare reform. She pushed for affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security, she has worked on laws addressing a wide range of issues, including immigration, criminal justice reform, and national security.
Rest in Peace
