HOUSTON — Courageous, fighter and commitment are just a few of words used to describe the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
On Friday night, her family announced she died after a battle against pancreatic cancer. She dedicated 40 years of her life to service, positively contributing to the state and world.
Local leaders who knew her well said she set the gold standard for public service. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee had a voice and presence that was undeniable, never accepting no as a final answer.
"As tiny as she was as big as her commitment and her power and her connections," said State Representative, Jolanda Jones.
She began that legacy of service in the 80s as a municipal judge. Then, as a member of the city council. In the early 90s, Jackson Lee won her seat in Congress, a position she held for nearly 30 years, fighting every step along the way.
"If you wanted a fighter, Sheila Jackson Lee. If you need something, Sheila Jackson Lee. She dealt with presidents and kings and queens and prime ministers. But, her passion, her passion was people that lived in these neighborhoods," said former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Turner said that’s what she lived for. It's what she fought for and that’s what she sacrificed for. He's watched it all over a 40-year friendship.
"I got a chance to talk to her in the last week and that’s what I said to her, you have left it all on the field and your district, state, this country is a better place," he said.
Summing up decades of work is impossible, but her commitment to social justice stood strong. She helped push through violence against women, George Floyd justice in policing, John Lewis Voting Rights Act legislation and working to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
"Where there was a need, she tried to meet that need. Where there was an injustice, she tried to correct the injustice," said Congressman Al Green.
In the minutes and hours since her family announced her passing from pancreatic cancer, we've seen a steady stream of condolences.
"She didn’t think like a microscope. She thought just big. She always wanted the biggest impact. How can I help the most people," said Jones.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a woman who expected the extraordinary.
"I will mourn her passing, but I will celebrate her life," said Green.