Celebrating the Life of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Texas Tribune: “Mourners describe Sheila Jackson Lee as a dedicated public official.”

“The congresswoman represented her Houston district for 30 years. Several services are planned ahead of her Thursday morning funeral.” By PAUL COBLER, HOUSTON LANDING
JULY 29, 2024

“People pay their respects as they make their way past late congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as she lies in state in Houston City Hall on July 29, 2024. Credit: Douglas Sweet Jr. for The Texas Tribune”

HOUSTON — Four days of events honoring the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee kicked off Monday morning as hundreds of mourners gathered at Houston City Hall to pay their respects in person.”

“The former municipal judge, City Council member and longtime Democratic member of Congress will lie in state in the City Hall rotunda all day Monday. Jackson Lee’s more than 30 years as an elected representative from Houston warranted Mayor John Whitmire bestowing her with the highest honor he possibly could, he said.”

“This is a celebration,” Whitmire said. “God does not allow us to choose when we lose a loved one, or friend, or colleague, but he does allow us to celebrate their lives, and pay our respects, and honor them.”

“Jackson Lee is only the second person to lie in state in City Hall.”

“Mayor Whitmire opened the proceedings Monday morning outside the City Hall steps alongside Jackson Lee’s family and other elected officials. The group then ushered into the rotunda, where they quietly stood in front of Jackson Lee’s casket as a Houston Symphony string quartet played “Amazing Grace.” The casket was draped with a U.S. flag and flanked by a Texas flag and a uniformed honor guard.”

“Jackson Lee’s family stayed after the ceremony to greet visitors. Outside, a line of mourners wrapped partially around the building.”

https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/29/sheila-jackson-lee-houston-memorial/