HOUSTON — Another viewing was held Wednesday for the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Residents in the Third Ward got a chance to pay their respects at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
Hundreds showed up to pay tribute to Jackson Lee, a woman they said always stood by their side.
It was a day of celebration for the 74-year-old Congresswoman who died last week from pancreatic cancer.
"The community is saddened ... (she was) so beneficial to the Congressional district and the City of Houston," Wilbert Taylor said.
Jackson Lee served Houston's 18th Congressional District for 29 years. Before that, she was a municipal judge and a member of the Houston City Council. She was a staple in the city.
"Kind of synonymous for Houston, done so much for our city, our youth and future," Camila Flores said.
Flores was Jackson Lee's intern and worked with her during her final months. Even in her sickness, Flores said, everyone had a hard time keeping up with the Congresswoman's schedule.
"Honestly, we had to keep up with her. She was everywhere at all times ... included us in everything," she said.
It was her hard-working nature that earned her respect and love from many in the community.
"Very nice person. She had the same attitude. Always had a smile on her face," Taylor said.
Throughout Wednesday, various groups showed up to pay their respects. Among them was a sea of women in white. They were members of Jackson Lee's sorority.
"To say goodbye to our sister. She has departed this life but her legacy of service continues on," Alpha Kappa Alpha Regional Director Shawn Simmons said.
A celebration of life will be held at Fallbrook Church on Thursday. Pre-registration was required to attend the event at which Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to deliver the eulogy.