In their own words
Her family announced the death in a statement July 20.
"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. 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. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom justice and democracy."
Looking back
Lee served in the House of Representatives for 29 years. As a Houston Democrat, Lee led Texas' 18th Congressional District, an area that encompasses portions of the city of Houston, Spring and Humble.
As a congresswoman, she established the first new federal holiday in 38 years. Juneteenth National Independence Day, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War, became a federal holiday in June 2021.
She also authored the passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 2021. The amendment authorized new programs and new protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking through fiscal year 2025-26.
Other major legislative initiatives passed by Lee include:
- Sentencing Reform Act
- George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act
- The Fair Chance for Youth Act
- American RISING Act
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Did you know?
Before serving as a congresswoman in 1995, the New York native served on Houston City Council and as a municipal judge in Houston. In 2023, she aspired to return to Houston's leadership scene when she ran against 16 other candidates for mayor. In an interview with Community Impact, Lee shared why she chose to run in that election.
"I am running because I love Houston and I want to bring my broad experience to help build its future," she said. "I am known for working hard and delivering results. I want to lead Houston into the future."
Although Lee lost to current Mayor John Whitmire, she remained a staple in the Houston community. In May, she spoke at the Lone Star College-Houston North commencement ceremony, celebrated Juneteenth at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and sent her staff to assist with food and water distribution after Hurricane Beryl.
What they are saying
Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, who preceded Whitmire, said Lee served her constituents well, from city hall to congress.
"She has worked with and advised presidents of our great country, met with global leaders and has been embraced by world renowned artists," he said in a statement. "But her work on the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our city; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional."
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said he will dwell fondly on the memories of Lee for many years to come.
"Through crises and disasters, as well as triumphs, Sheila's ceaseless and unwavering dedication to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career," he said in a statement. "She exhibited this dedication every day through her deeds, actions and accomplishments. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and confidante who leaves behind a legacy of single-minded commitment to our community."
Going forward
Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, her children Jason Lee and Erica Lee, and her two grandchildren Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter, IIl. According to the statement issued by the family, funeral arrangements are pending.
