The congresswoman represented her Houston district for 30 years. Several services are planned ahead of her Thursday morning funeral.
By Paul Cobler, Houston Landing July 29, 2024 4 PM Central
“The congresswoman supported and celebrated all of our communities,” said Regina Graves, a 57-year-old who lives in Humble. “I remember something as small as a funeral for my sorority sister, she was there. She was a prominent and avid supporter of our community. She was at everything, and I honor that.”
Third Ward resident Phyillis Moss said Jackson Lee’s commitment to her district was obvious to anyone who watched her.
“Most politicians should aspire to be like Sheila Jackson Lee,” Moss said.
City, county and state officials attended Monday’s ceremony. President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Houston Monday afternoon to pay his respects.
First: Longtime Houstonian Sherry Browning arrives to Houston City Hall to pay her respects and share stories of late congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Last: Houston Police color guard member Corey McCray waits his cue to present colors during a public ceremony outside City Hall. Credit: Douglas Sweet Jr. for The Texas Tribune
Monday’s honor is the first of several services for Jackson Lee ahead of her Thursday morning funeral. A viewing and remembrance will be held at God’s Grace Community Church on Tuesday afternoon and a community farewell and appreciation service will be held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Wednesday.
Jackson Lee’s “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Fallbrook Church on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have all said they plan to attend Thursday’s service. Harris, the newly-minted presumptive Democratic nominee for president, will deliver a eulogy, according to the White House.
Jackson Lee represented Congressional District 18 for 30 years. During her career, she rose to the ranks of Democratic House of Representatives leadership and earned a reputation as a prolific public speaker and tireless worker on behalf of her district.
She ran for mayor in 2023, eventually losing to Whitmire in December.
"I got to see firsthand the passion, the dedication, the commitment to the people that she represented (and) across Houston," Whitmire said. "She wasn't going to let a redistricting line or a boundary line interfere with her voice."
While services play out this week, behind the scenes local Democrats are jockeying for position in the contest to replace Jackson Lee as the Democratic nominee for Congressional District 18.
A vote by 88 precinct chairs to select the new nominee will take place in mid August. That person will almost certainly win the November general election in the heavily Democratic district. Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, At-Large Council member Leitia Plumber and former Council member Dwight Boykins have expressed interest in the seat, but most are waiting until after this week’s ceremonies are completed before making their announcements official.
This article first appeared on Houston Landing and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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