Events commemorating the life and legacy of longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas are set to commence in Houston, with the lawmaker lying in state at Houston's city hall. President Joe Biden is expected to visit Houston to pay his respects to Jackson Lee.
President Biden praised Jackson Lee's unwavering leadership on various issues, including racial justice and economic empowerment for working people. The congresswoman, known for her advocacy in federal efforts to combat domestic violence and establish Juneteenth as a national holiday, passed away at the age of 74 on July 19 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Her body will lie in state in Houston's city hall rotunda for 10 hours on Monday, with a prayer service scheduled to take place on the steps of city hall in the morning. Mayor John Whitmire, along with family members and religious leaders, will participate in the service.
Prior to her tenure in Congress, Jackson Lee served on Houston's city council from 1990 to 1994. She will be only the second person to lie in state in Houston's city hall rotunda, following renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey in 2008.
Viewings and services are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, leading up to her funeral on Thursday, which Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to attend. Jackson Lee, a fierce advocate for women and minorities, played a pivotal role in social justice issues such as policing reform and reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals.
She led the revision of the Violence Against Women Act, incorporating protections for marginalized groups. Jackson Lee's dedication to public service and her community was unwavering throughout her career, marked by her commitment to Houstonians and her impactful legislative contributions.
