Funeral services have been announced for The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee. A “Celebration of Life” & Tribute services will be held next week in Houston from July 29-August 1, 2024.
Below is the schedule of events:
Monday, July 29, 2024 – 9:00 am–7:00 pm
Lie-In-State @ Houston City Hall Rotunda, Ground Floor
901 Bagby Street, Houston TX 77002
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 —4:00-8:00 PM
Viewing & Remembrance
God’s Grace Community Church 9944 W. Montgomery Road, Houston, TX 77088
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Viewing —11 am – 3:00 pm
Community Farewell & Appreciation Service—3:00–8:00 pm
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
Celebration of Life Service @ 11:00 AM
“Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee”
Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road, Houston, TX 77014
(*Pre-registration may be required,)
Services and tributes will be live-streamed.
Meanwhile, notable national and local leaders expressed their condolences.
“Even if you disagreed with her politics, you had to respect her work ethic. We can honestly say Sheila Jackson Lee left it all on the field. Rest in peace my sister. Thank you for all you gave us.”
– Sylvester Turner, Former Mayor of Houston
Former Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. From City Hall to the Halls of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee has served her constituents well. She has written and passed key legislation and has stood on the floor of the United States House of Representatives speaking passionately for the interests of her district and the country she loved. She has worked with and advised Presidents of our great country, met with global leaders, and has been embraced by world renowned artists. But her work on the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our City; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional.
When she was elected to the United States House of Representatives she stood in the shadow of Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland and Craig Washington. Without question, she rose to the occasion and served with great distinction. Even if you disagreed with her politics, you had to respect her work ethic. We can honestly say Sheila Jackson Lee left it all on the field. Rest in peace my sister. Thank you for all you gave us. And, thank you to her family for sharing her with us. We will not forget her sacrifice or yours. Sheila – to God be the glory for the good you have done. It was truly a job well done!”
“Sheila’s ceaseless and unwavering dedication to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career. She exhibited this dedication every day through her deeds, actions and accomplishments.”
– Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis
“My friend, ally, and long-time political partner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, passed from this world and into the pantheon of legendary Texas leaders. For nearly 30 years, she tirelessly represented the people of her congressional district.
Through crises and disasters – as well as triumphs – Sheila’s ceaseless and unwavering dedication to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career. She exhibited this dedication every day through her deeds, actions and accomplishments. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and confidante who leaves behind a legacy of single-minded commitment to our community.
Holding dear the memory of those who pass before us is the greatest homage we can pay to those we love. And I know Sheila Jackson Lee will dwell fondly in our memories for years to come.”
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to fighting for the rights of the marginalized.”
– Areva Martin
Areva Martin, Civil Rights Attorney and Special Needs Network founder and president
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a tireless advocate for social justice and a fierce champion of reparations. Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and equality has left an indelible mark on our nation and the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her and work alongside her.
I had the distinct honor and privilege of collaborating with Congresswoman Jackson Lee on the critical issue of reparations. Together, we shared the stage at a national Town Hall on reparations in December 2022 in Evanston, Illinois, where her passion and dedication to justice were palpable and inspiring. Her leadership in the passage of HR 40, the bill in Congress addressing reparations, was a testament to her relentless pursuit of equity for African Americans and her belief in rectifying historical injustices.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to fighting for the rights of the marginalized. Her work has paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality. At the Special Needs Network, we will honor her memory by continuing to advocate for the causes she championed and strive to make her vision of a just and equitable society a reality.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who mourn this tremendous loss. Sheila Jackson Lee’s spirit will live on through the many lives she touched and the significant progress she made in the fight for social justice.”
“A tireless advocate for justice and equality, Congresswoman Lee was not only a pillar of strength within the Houston community but also a formidable force across the United States. Her unwavering dedication to fighting for what is right has left an indelible mark on our nation.”
– Judson Robinson III
Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Houston Area Urban League acknowledges the passing of Congresswoman and former Houston Area Urban League Board Member Sheila Jackson Lee. A tireless advocate for justice and equality, Congresswoman Lee was not only a pillar of strength within the Houston community but also a formidable force across the United States. Her unwavering dedication to fighting for what is right has left an indelible mark on our nation.
Congresswoman Lee’s contributions to civil rights, education, and social justice are unparalleled. She championed countless causes, always striving to uplift the most vulnerable among us. Her voice resonated in the halls of Congress, and her impact extended far beyond, reaching into the hearts and lives of many.
Throughout her remarkable career, Congresswoman Lee touched countless lives with her compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Her legacy of service and advocacy will continue to inspire us all. Her presence at community events, her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and her relentless pursuit of justice have set a standard for public service that will be hard to match.
As President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, I, Judson Robinson III, along with our entire organization, extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. We mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In honoring Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, we reaffirm our commitment to the values she held dear; justice, equality, and service to others. May her legacy continue to guide and inspire us in our efforts to create a better, more equitable world.”
NAACP Houston Branch
“Our Houston Branch of the NAACP is in deep mourning by the passing of our NAACP Life Member, recipient of the highest honor bestowed by our local branch, the coveted Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award and a staunch advocate for justice, The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee.
Our friend Sheila championed many causes. She fought for the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised and the devalued. She never saw a person in need and did not feel obligated to help. She never saw a problem she didn’t feel the need to solve. Whatever bothered people bothered her. She was a fearless advocate and loyal ally. Sheila was never intimidated by the size of an adversary.
Congresswoman Lee was the consummate public servant. Beginning in 1987 as a Municipal Judge, in 1989, as a Houston City Councilmember, and a member of Congress from January 1995-July 19, 2024. For all 37 years, Sheila Jackson Lee has distinguished herself as an unselfish, unrelenting, untiring and an unequivocal public servant.
Standing on the iconic shoulders of her predecessors, Congresswoman Lee elevated the 18th Congressional District. Blending boldness and rare brilliance, she was a unique legislative genius. Some of Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s major legislative initiatives include the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, The RAISE Act, The Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Kaleif’s Law, the American RISING Act. She was a champion for the Anti-Lynching Bill, the John Lewis Voter Rights Act, and she championed the Juneteenth Federal Holiday Bill. She was a champion for women, children, the elderly, for immigrants, for LGBTQ rights, the homeless, victims of trafficking, the mentally ill, and those in poverty. A true American patriot who always honored our military veterans.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a champion for justice. She was a dependable partner and supporter of her NAACP, locally and nationally. Her fierce devotion to eradicating social ills and ridding our city, state and nation of all forms of injustice will serve as our inspiration to intensify
our commitment to the unfinished work.
“Our champion has left the battlefield to receive her well-earned rest and eternal rewards. In the spirit of Sheila, we fight on!”
Our prayers are continuous for her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee; daughter, Erica Lee Carter, son Jason Lee, her immediate and extended family. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care.”
“I witnessed firsthand that the needs of the community are urgent and must be prioritized. Her decades of public service have been the embodiment of unwavering dedication to community.”
– Amanda Edwards
Amanda Edwards, an attorney and politician, who served as a member of the Houston City Council
“Our community now mourns the loss of a fierce advocate, trailblazer and tireless champion – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. I would like to express my deepest condolences to her family during this difficult time. Twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to work for her in her DC office. From her service, I witnessed firsthand that the needs of the community are urgent and must be prioritized. Her decades of public service have been the embodiment of unwavering dedication to community. We will all miss Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s commitment to the fight. She walked in her purpose during her life, and may her soul now rest in peace.”
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
“The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is deeply saddened by the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas’s 18th Congressional District. Serving nearly three decades in Congress, Jackson Lee was a relentless advocate for social justice and civil rights. Her dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our nation and the hearts of all who knew her.
LULAC is proud to have stood with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee for decades in the fight for civil rights,” says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President. “We shared the same vision for our great nation as a land of justice and opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, or gender. Our voices were one in calling for equity and equality as promised by our Constitution. LULAC is committed to continuing to build upon her legacy and, with our allies in all communities, to be stronger together to stop those who wish to undo our nation’s progress with the regressive agenda of Project 2025. We must come together as a force of progress to ensure that her vision and ours for America are realized,” says Palomares.
We have lost a great friend of LULAC, and our nation has lost a powerful civil rights leader,” says Ray Mancera, LULAC National Vice President for the Southwest. “I was honored to have known her, worked alongside her, and considered her a wonderful friend and dedicated social and civil rights leader willing to work with the Latino community side by side. Her voice was powerful, her vision was clear, and her commitment was enduring. We shall miss her dearly. May we take a moment to celebrate her life, and may she rest in peace and power.”
Sheila Jackson Lee was my friend, colleague, and a tremendous inspiration to me as a Latina and an attorney,” says Gloria Leal, LULAC General Counsel. “Sheila and I were both the first minorities appointed to the powerful Board of Directors of the Texas State Bar. She was fearless in her advocacy for advancing women and minorities in the profession and a staunch champion for her constituents’ economic and civil rights. As a Congresswoman, she always welcomed me personally to the nation’s Capitol and listened to my clients’ concerns. She will be missed,” says Leal.
Texas LULAC joins with our nation in saying thank you to Sheila Jackson Lee for her great leadership as a fighter for our communities,” says Gabriel Rosales, Texas LULAC State Director. “She was a supportive friend to Latinos and will be forever missed as a champion of the Latino struggle for justice and a friend to LULAC,” Rosales adds.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy is steadfastly dedicated to justice, equality, and service. LULAC honors her memory and contributions, pledging to continue the work she championed for so long.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Houston chapter
“The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Houston, Texas, chapter (CAIR-Houston) today offered condolences on the passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died Friday at the age of 74.
“We belong to God and unto God we will return. We will greatly miss Congresswoman Jackson Lee, who served not only as a pillar for justice in our community but as a friend, mentor and ally to so many. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, staff and mentees.” said CAIR-Houston Director William White.
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“To God we belong and to Him we return. Representative Jackson Lee was a civil rights icon and a great friend of the American Muslim community. She stood in defense of civil rights and defended the Muslim community when it was attacks by bigots and by discriminatory government policies. We have lost a principled and dedicated ally. She will be missed.”
CAIR-Texas is the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, and empower American Muslims.”
“I witnessed firsthand that the needs of the community are urgent and must be prioritized. Her decades of public service have been the embodiment of unwavering dedication to community.”
– Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a friend and mentor to me, as well as a champion for her community. I will miss her dearly, and so will our entire community. The Congresswoman was never afraid to lend her fearless voice to move mountains not just for her constituents, but for all in Harris County and any place she could make a difference. Her strength and stamina were truly never-ending and her determination to rally a chorus to the fuse of justice was unwavering. Just two days ago, my friend smiled as we discussed the progress of hurricane recovery and navigating local politics. Two weeks before that, she worked with me to strategize on how to save a federal transportation investment that came under threat. We will remember her barrier-breaking career, her smarts, her passion, and her ability to weather storm after storm as a strong woman in politics. My condolences go out to her family, her friends, and the community that knows how much she fought for us.”
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a fearless fighter for the people of Houston, one of our country’s most effective leaders, and a wonderful friend to Hillary and me.”
– Bill Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton
