"I am about the people of the United States of America and the people of Houston, Texas," was not just a statement Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee once made, but a guiding principle she lived by. Her life's work was dedicated to serving her community and advocating for justice. On July 19, 2024, the Lee family announced her passing. Sheila Jackson Lee was 74 years old.

Early Life and Education

Born during the Civil Rights Movement on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Sheila Jackson Lee's early life was shaped by the struggle for equality and justice. Witnessing the fight against segregation and discrimination instilled in her a profound sense of duty. Her academic journey was marked by excellence, earning an undergraduate degree from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. In the 1980s, Sheila and her husband, Elwyn Lee, moved to Houston, where they saw greater opportunities.

Political Career

Upon settling in Houston, Lee quickly became aware of the challenges faced by her community. She saw political action as the best way to effect change. Her career began with an appointment as a judge by then-Mayor Kathy Whitmire. In 1989, she was elected to the Houston City Council, where she served until 1994. During her tenure, she championed legislation to combat gun violence and gang activity, setting the stage for her future in politics.

In 1994, Lee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas' 18th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Craig Washington with 63% of the vote. Her victory was historic, making her the second African American woman to represent Texas in Congress. Lee's platform in Congress enabled her to make significant impacts, advocating for her constituents on issues such as healthcare, criminal justice reform, and disaster recovery.

Advocacy and Legislative Achievements

Lee's career was marked by her relentless advocacy for the underprivileged and underserved. She played a crucial role in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2022, which provided essential support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Lee also fought for healthcare reforms, contributing to the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, and was a strong voice for criminal justice reform, focusing on reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial disparities.

Her commitment to her constituents extended to her efforts in disaster recovery, securing federal funding to help Texans rebuild after Hurricane Harvey. Lee also advocated for immigration reform, voting rights protection, supporting HBCUs, standing up for LGBTQ rights, authoring bills to reduce gun violence, and economic development, always standing up for human rights and social justice. . It never matter where she had to go, folks knew she would go the distance. If there was a right that wrong, an injustice made, or an improvement needed those of the 18th congressional district knew they could always count on Congresswoman Sheils Jackson Lee to save the day.

A Life of Service

In March 2023, Sheila Jackson Lee announced her candidacy for Mayor of Houston. Despite not winning the election, her campaign was a testament to her enduring dedication to public service. Her fight against cancer demonstrated her resilience and determination. Having survived breast cancer in 2012, Lee faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2024 with the same courage and faith that defined her career.

“Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage,” said Congresswoman Lee when she announced her diagnosis.

“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity, and my commitment to public service," Congresswoman Jackson Lee stated.

Throughout her tenure, Lee was affiliated with numerous committees and caucuses, serving as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and on the House Science Committee. She was a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, as well as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  Her work earned her respect and admiration, making her a beloved figure in her district and beyond.

"To the constituents of the 18th Congressional District: Serving as your representative in Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day” remarked Congresswoman Lee.

Legacy

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy is one of tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. Her contributions to her community and country have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and human rights. She is an inspiration to us all to never settle but to keep fighting for what’s right. The work is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Houston Style Magazine thanks Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for her tirelessly pursuit of justice for all Americans. We also thank her for being a friend of Houston Style Magazine. Publisher Francis Page, Jr. and the entire staff of Houston Style Magazine extends our deepest sympathy and prayers for her husband, Elwyn Lee; children, Erica Lee Carter and Jason Lee; son-in-law, Roy Carter; grandchildren, Ellison and Roy Carter III; and a host of family and friends.

U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will have the distinction of lying in state in Houston City Hall rotunda on Monday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. She is only the second person to have this extremely rare honor.

Additional arrangements are pending.