HOUSTON — Ubiquitous, a fighter, a woman of faith and genuine. Those are just some of the many words describing Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who died at 74 years old Friday.
Her death is impacting people in different ways. Friends remember Sheila Jackson Lee when she started her interest in politics, while others remember her accomplishments during her career as a congresswoman.
“She was ubiquitous in being everywhere and trying to serve everywhere she could,” said Sonceria Messiah-Jiles, CEO of the Houston Defender Network.
She said after Jackson Lee lost one of her first races in politics, she kept fighting.
“Whether it was criminal justice, for women, or children, she was there for the community. You could never say she wasn’t going to show up for you,” Messiah-Jiles said.
She remembers the first time meeting Sheila Jackson Lee when she was at her mother's house scooping up a bowl of gumbo.
"It was more girl talk and advice on how to navigate the political arena and key players...At the end of her career, she was one of the kingmakers," Messiah-Jiles said.
Others felt lucky to hear the congresswoman speak. Tyrone Lane is a pastor at Fresh Impact Church in Pearland.
“Just to interact with her, she’s been a strong influencer, her characteristics show she’s strong-minded, strong-willed about the positive things,” Lane said.
He attended brunches with pastors at Texas Southern University. One of the people who saw Jackson Lee’s early beginnings in politics was former Texas Southern president Dr. James Douglas.
“She was at a position where she could get things done in Washington. I think Houston, and especially the African American community, is going to miss that,” Dr. Douglas said.
He remembers Jackson Lee working with him to get funding for two HBCUs in the Houston area.
“Texas Southern and Prairie View got about 25 million from the state legislature. At the time we started that effort with the DOE I was [TSU] president, Sheila and I worked together,” Dr. Douglas said.
Jackson Lee’s life went beyond politics. Messiah-Jiles remembers her enjoying being a grandmother, while people like Pastor Lane said they can sympathize with Jackson Lee’s family.
“My mom died of cancer,” Pastor Lane said. “She has definitely been an icon and a pioneer for this community,” he added.