Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has died, her office announced Friday evening. She was 74 years old. Today we will discuss about Sheila Jackson Lee death: How did she die,Daughter,In hospital,Age.
Sheila Jackson Lee death: How did she die,Daughter,In hospital,Age
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Houston Democrat who served in Congress since 1995, has died.
Jackson Lee, who revealed less than two months ago that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, was 74.
Her family announced her death Friday evening: “With incredible sadness for our loss and deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, United States Representative of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. We do.” Jackson Lee’s death was confirmed by his chief of staff, Lily Conley.
Along with fellow Democrat Lloyd Doggett, she was the senior member of the current Texas delegation.
Jackson Lee was known as a strong advocate for women and minorities, serving in the same Texas district once represented by Barbara Jordan, elected to Congress from the South after the Reconstruction era of the 19th century Was the first African American woman.
“His indomitable passion for justice and fair play can never be suppressed,” Representative Kwesi Mfume (D-MD) said in a statement. “He worked very hard for what he believed in and inspired all of us to work equally hard. I will miss my friend who refused to let the world silence her voice.
A vocal presence in the Congressional Black Caucus, Jackson Lee attempted to combat domestic violence through expansion of the Violence Against Women Act and recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, which occurred in 2021.
This holiday marks the day (June 19) in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, and it has long been celebrated in Texas.
In 2019, following in the footsteps of the late Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), he introduced a proposal to study the idea of reparations for descendants of former slaves.
“We want to be responsive to all Americans and we know how diverse this country has become,” Jackson Lee said in an interview at the time. “We as Democrats.
How did she die
In her obituary, the Texas Tribune noted how hard she fought for Houston: “She often used her trademark chutzpah to fight for federal money to be sent to Houston. In 2009, he secured $1 billion for city lighting after cornering then-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood before then-President Barack Obama’s first joint address to Congress. “She certainly could have been found in the aisle before the State of the Union address, among the few members who met the President directly on his way to the stage.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote on X: “She was an extraordinary advocate for her district and its values, and her impact and accomplishments will be long remembered.”
Fellow lawmakers in Texas saluted his legacy Friday night.
Representative Colin Allred (D-Texas) wrote on Twitter: “Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a fierce advocate for Houston and her constituents. No one worked harder for his community and if Houston needed something, he provided it.
Discussing her work on Houston’s behalf, Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) echoed Allred’s point in his statement.
“It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who was a dedicated leader, a proud-fellow Houstonian, and someone I was proud to call my friend,” Hunt said.
He said: “Although we had political disagreements, there were many moments with him, both public and private, that showed me that bipartisanship and service to the country first can still bring members of Congress together.”
Senator Ted Cruz also took note of his advocacy for his hometown. The Texas Republican said on X: “I will always cherish our friendship.
Daughter
Sheila Jackson Lee, the United States representative for the 18th congressional district of Texas, has died at the age of 74.
His family made this announcement on Friday evening.
“Today, with incredible sadness for our loss, with deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, United States Representative of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, a legend of the people. A fierce champion, she was affectionately known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her nearly omnipresent presence and service in their daily lives for more than 30 years,” the statement said. ”
“A local, national and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged around the world for her courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children,” he said.
In hospital
U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a strong progressive voice in the Democratic Party who was outspoken on African American and women’s rights, has died, her family posted on Twitter late Friday.
Jackson Lee, of Texas, announced last month that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.
She was 74 years old and had previously suffered from breast cancer.
“A fierce advocate for the people, she was known affectionately and simply as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her almost omnipresent presence and service in their daily lives for more than 30 years,” her family said in the statement. “
Bishop James Dixon, a longtime friend of Houston who met with Jackson Lee earlier this week, said he will remember him as a fighter.
“She was a rare, rare gem of a person who constantly gave her all to make sure others had what they needed. That was Sheela,” he said.
Jackson Lee had recently been elected to the Houston district once represented by Barbara Jordan, who was the first black woman elected to Congress from a Southern state since Reconstruction when she was immediately elected to a high-profile House election in 1995. Was placed in the Judiciary Committee.
Jackson Lee told the Houston Chronicle in 2022, “They just saw me, I think through my profile, through Barbara Jordan’s work.”
Jackson Lee soon established herself as a fierce advocate for women and minorities and a leader of House Democrats on a range of social justice issues, from police reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people.
She led the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade, including protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women.
Jackson Lee was among prominent lawmakers leading a 2021 effort to recognize Juneteenth as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1986.
The holiday marks that day.
Age & personal information
Sheila Jackson Lee
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas’s 18th district |
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In office January 3, 1995 – July 19, 2024 |
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Preceded by | Craig Washington |
Succeeded by | Vacant |
Member of the Houston City Council from the at-large district |
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In office January 2, 1990 – January 3, 1995 |
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Preceded by | Anthony Hall |
Succeeded by | John Peavy |
Personal details | |
Born |
Sheila Jackson
January 12, 1950 New York City, U.S. |
Died | July 19, 2024 (aged 74) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Elwyn Lee
(m. 1973) |
Children | 2 |
Education | Yale University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |