HOUSTON — For the second day, Houstonians gathered to honor the life and legacy of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
A viewing and remembrance was held at God's Grace Community Church in north Houston.
People filled the church to celebrate her life. One thing was consistent: Everyone spoke about Jackson Lee's energy.
They also wondered how she was able to attend so many community events and also make it to Congress.
"Was always there. A champion in our district. Just knowing she was always there for us," Felicia Light said. "Even for the last distribution that we had during Beryl, she was still giving back even though she was sick."
It wasn't just community members in attendance on Tuesday, local leaders including Adrian Gonzalez, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Rep. Armando Walle and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner were also there.
They took turns sharing stories on how they didn't just work alongside the Congresswoman but knew her on a personal level.
"She was very, very down to Earth. Let me know that it's OK to be humble, not necessarily look out for your needs, but to care for those around you," Gerra Gistand said.
She was a leader they said helped them when they needed her most.
Jackson Lee's family was also there and her daughter took the microphone to thank the community.
President pays respects
On Monday, President Joe Biden was among those who paid his respects to the longtime congresswoman at Houston City Hall. Biden placed a bouquet beside Jackson Lee's flag-draped casket and briefly prayed over it before spending some time visiting with her husband and two children.
“No matter the issue — from delivering racial justice to building an economy for working people — she was unrelenting in her leadership,” Biden said in a statement after Jackson Lee’s death.
He also signed the guest book: "Fearless, proud, and bold. May God bless a dear friend and great American. May God bless you, Sheila Jackson Lee."
The White House also said Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Houston on Wednesday and will attend the Celebration of Life Service for Jackson Lee on Thursday.
Jackson Lee represented the 18th District and helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday.
She was 74 when she passed away on July 19. She died about six weeks after she announced she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Wednesday, July 31: Viewing and service
The tributes to Jackson Lee continue on Wednesday with a viewing at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church at 3826 Wheeler Avenue from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., followed by a Community Farewell and Appreciation service from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1: Celebration of Life service
Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at Fallbrook Church at 12512 Walters Road in Houston. Pre-registration was required and is now closed.
Harris will deliver a eulogy.
Harris called Jackson Lee “a tenacious advocate for justice and a tireless fighter for the people of Houston and the people of America."
Harris said Lee was “a dear friend for many years, and a fellow member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
"As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I had the opportunity to work closely with her on many issues and to observe her leadership firsthand. She was relentless – one of our nation’s fiercest, smartest, and most strategic leaders in the way she thought about how to make progress happen," Harris said in a statement. "There was never a trite or trivial conversation with the Congresswoman. She was always fighting for the people of Houston and the people of America.”
The political career of Sheila Jackson Lee
Jackson Lee began her political career as a City of Houston municipal court judge. She then served on the Houston City Council before being elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas in 1994.
"A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children," Jackson Lee's family said in a statement following her death.
The Congresswoman had a hand in several legislative victories over the decades, including establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
"For decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a dedicated fighter for Houstonians," Whitmire said.
He cited her "unwavering commitment" to the community as the reason she will be bestowed the rare honor of lying in state in Houston City Hall. Legendary heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey was the only other Houstonian to receive the honor when he died in 2008.