HOUSTON — Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away Friday at the age of 74, will be honored by the city she served for more than 30 years.
On Tuesday, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced that Jackson Lee will lie in state in City Hall on Monday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The public will be allowed to pay their final respects and sign a book of condolence following a brief prayer service with Jackson Lee's family, city leaders and faith leaders. There will be a combined Honor Guard representing the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department.
The office of Congresswoman Jackson Lee sent out details Wednesday for more remembrances.
On Tuesday, July 30, there will be a viewing at God’s Grace Community Church at 9944 West Montgomery Road from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 31, there will be a viewing from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church at 3826 Wheeler Avenue, followed by a service there that will run from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Then on Thursday, August 1, there will be a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at Fallbrook Church. That's at 12512 Walters Road in Houston. The congresswoman's office said pre-registration may be required for this service.
Gov. Greg Abbott has approved Mayor Whitmire's request to lower the flags to half-staff on City Hall and municipal buildings from Monday, July 29, to Thursday, Aug. 1.
KHOU 11 is working to find out which remembrances will be open to the public. We'll update as we know more.
"This is a time for unity across Houston as we honor her life and legacy. Although we were opponents in the recent mayoral race, we shared a long history of collaboration spanning over 30 years," Whitmire said in a statement. "Despite our different styles, we consistently worked towards the same goals, advocating for the issues that matter most to Houstonians."
Jackson Lee began her political career as a City of Houston municipal court judge. She then served on the Houston City Council before being elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas in 1994.
"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," Jackson Lee's family said in a statement following her death.
The Congresswoman had a hand in several legislative victories over the decades, including establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
"For decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a dedicated fighter for Houstonians," Whitmire said.
He cited her "unwavering commitment" to the community as the reason she will be bestowed the rare honor of lying in state in Houston City Hall.
Legendary heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey was the only other Houstonian to receive the honor when he died in 2008.