Pioneering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Advocate for Justice, Dies at 74

U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, known for her relentless fight for justice and equality, passed away at 74 due to pancreatic cancer—a diagnosis she announced just six weeks ago.

Written By Jaime Lynn // EEW Magazine

U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) has passed away at the age of 74, just six weeks after disclosing her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, her family confirmed.

“Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas," her family said in a statement.

“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,” the statement added.

Throwback photograph of Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in February 1997. (Credit: Maureen Keating/CQ Roll Call via AP)

The Seventh Day Adventist leader, who saw an outpouring of support and prayers from the Houston community after announcing her illness in June, had previously stated she was relying on her “faith in God” to endure the battle.

On June 11, clergy, civic leaders, elected officials, organizations, and individuals attended a prayer vigil in her honor.

This was not Jackson Lee's first battle with cancer; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and overcame the disease. The veteran congresswoman, who was campaigning for reelection in November following a significant primary victory against attorney Amanda Edwards in March, was familiar with triumph.

Serving in the House since 1995, Jackson Lee was known for her legislative efforts to advance civil rights. She was the lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, advocated for the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, and championed the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. Additionally, she introduced legislation for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School. She worked as a lawyer in private practice and as staff counsel for the House Select Committee on Assassinations before serving in Houston's local government as a City Council member and municipal judge. In Congress, she sat on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.

In her initial statement revealing her diagnosis, Jackson Lee expressed her commitment to public service: “As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all, especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed,” she said.

“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,” she added.

Jackson Lee remained hopeful for a full recovery, stating, “By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.”

Her family has announced that funeral arrangements are pending. “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy," the family statement concluded. "God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America."

She is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandchildren.