United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who represented her Houston district in Congress for nearly 30 years, during which time she led the effort to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and helped author the Violence Against Women Act, has died at the age of 74.
The congresswoman’s family confirmed Jackson Lee’s death Friday in a statement; in June, Jackson Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“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,” her family said in a statement.
“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.”
Jackson Lee, a Democrat, was born and raised in Queens, New York before moving with her husband Elwyn Lee to Houston. After spending five years on the Houston city council, Jackson Lee ran for the district’s House of Representative seat in 1994, winning easily. She officially began representing the district in January 1995, and remained in that position until her death Friday.
The family’s statement continued, “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. God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”
Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a statement Saturday following Jackson Lee’s death that she was “a fearless fight for the people of Houston, one of country’s most effective leaders, and a wonderful friend to Hillary and me. Throughout her nearly 30 years in Congress, she was an unwavering champion for women and children, a staunch advocate for sensible gun reform, a relentless defender of the Constitution and the cause of justice, an important leader with the Congressional Black Caucus, and so much more.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi added of her “dear friend” in a statement, “Congresswoman Jackson Lee achieved a remarkable legislative record in the Congress for Houston and for our country. As a powerful voice in the Congress for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all. In a testament to her relentless determination, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was the author and lead sponsor of legislation that established Juneteenth as the first new federal holiday in 38 years. And as an author of the Violence Against Women Act, she was a champion for the rights of women.”
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