Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement:
This is an enormously solemn day for Members of Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus family, Ohio residents and the world. Chairwoman Tubbs Jones was undoubtedly a true steward of the people. She dedicated her life to ensure that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was afforded to every American. Her command of the law was only matched by her boundless sense of integrity.
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Tubbs Jones was the first African American woman to represent Ohio in Congress. She was the first black woman to sit on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and served as chairwoman of the House Ethics Committee.
Along the way, she championed wealth building and economic justice, access to health care and quality education, ex-offender reentry programs and voting rights.
In the wake of problems at the polls in Ohio's 2004 presidential election, she mounted a challenge to the state's 20 electoral votes. She later introduced the "Count Every Vote Act" to fix the widespread voting irregularities that occurred nationwide during the 2004 election.
Her career as a public servant was characterized by historic firsts. Prior to her election to Congress in 1996, she served as the first black and the first female Cuyahoga County, Ohio prosecutor. She was the first African American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench and was a Municipal Court Judge in Cleveland.
She caught a lot of flak for her role as a "top-tier cheerleader" for Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential run. But she took the hits and kept on keeping on.
She was scheduled to travel to Denver on Sunday to attend the Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate. Instead, this black-leather-pants-wearing self-described "bad sister" with an infectious smile will be missed.
Her son Mervyn L. Jones II, entire family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers. You can post your condolences here.
Comments: (60)
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By: Kimolin Allen on 8/21/2008 8:19AM
May God keep you and strenghten you in your time of bereavement. God is a Comforter, our strong tower, he will never leave you or forsake you. My prayers are with you.
God Bless!!
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By: Chryll D. Crews on 8/21/2008 8:48AM
I'm so disappointed in congresswoman Jones'death. I had just became one of her fans when I saw how she loyally supported my candidate, Hilary Clinton, when others were jumping ship. During the last of Hilary's campaign, she was on the stage cheering her own. With so many women not knowing how to support one another, she was a true example of faithfulness. we've lost a real sister.
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By: Stacy on 8/21/2008 9:13AM
I know that "Uncle Bernie and Uncle Issac" are up there entertaining the Senator and causing her to smile, smile, smile!
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By: Greg Jones on 8/21/2008 11:21AM
From Blacks4Barack:
Just a note to share how much we loved and will miss Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. My office is in the same building as her Cleveland congressional office and so I would see her almost every Friday (when she was in town). She never failed to take time out to share a kind word or to listen to the needs of her constituents. We, the citizens of Cleveland, have always honored our Congresswoman. She was truly a servant for her people and will be greatly missed. We keep her family, particularly her son Mervyn, in our prayers.
Greg Jones
www.Blacks4Barack.org
A Multi-Racial, Net/Grassroots Org...
Dedicated To Truth!
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By: Walette Watson on 8/21/2008 11:55AM
I never knew Ohio had a Black Woman in Congress. That was great news to hear. I'm deeply sorry to hear about the families lost. God bless the family and may she rest in peace/
Walette Watson
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By: William Epps on 8/21/2008 12:29PM
This is truly a sad day for her Family ,her Friends ,America,and the World. My heart crys and mourns with her Family, but we remember,She achieved greatness in a selfless way and helped untold millions of people ,People not even born yet, will benefit and live a better life because she was here. So we must take heart and be strong and continue the work which she started .
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By: justin on 8/21/2008 12:40PM
First LEt me start by saying giving all praise to God. One thing I have learn is that Congresswoman Jones will be very much miss But as Americans we should remember that Congresswoman Jones Has went home to be with the Father. We all are working are way home and Mrs. Jones name was on the role to be called. We that are still here must carry on the duites that congresswoman Jones has left and keep fighting the good fight till our name is Called. My Prayers go out to the family my they remeber to keep their hand in god unchanging hand.
God Bless
Bro.Turner
PHA Mason
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By: POPPPY on 8/21/2008 12:53PM
To me it would have been more proper, if you had left off the (First African American Woman) comment. May she rest in peace.
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By: gloria samuel on 8/21/2008 12:52PM
mrs stephanie tubbs-jones will be missed by all my prayers go out to the family
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By: vivian price on 8/21/2008 12:59PM
I am very sorry to here of the congresswomen passing, Madam Jones was a true friend and an American, She will be missed. May Jesus bless her Family and the USA.
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