People pay final respects to Sheila Jackson Lee at City Hall – Houston Public Media

The warm Monday morning sun shone on Houston City Hall as friends and constituents gathered to make a final choice for the woman who meant so much to them: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Each had a personal story to tell about how she touched their lives, including James Smith, who, along with his wife, are godparents to one of her grandchildren.

“We celebrate the holidays together, we’re family. It’s a sad time, but it can also be a celebration,” Smith said. “Because it’s a celebration of life. A celebration of a person who did wonderful things for this city, this country, and … we’re going to miss her.”

Gary Carter, filmmaker, producer, director and professor at the University of Houston, also spoke.

“Years ago, I did a movie, Fifth Ward, that I shot in Houston, in the Fifth Ward, and that was the beginning of my relationship with Sheila. She was very supportive of everything I did in the film industry,” Carter said. “She helped the film industry grow so that we could bring these movies here (to Houston). And it was all part of the support that she gave me and the community to make the city what it is today. Those little steps were taken with Sheila every step of the way.”

Antonette Jackson arrived in Houston in 2013. She spoke Monday about Jackson Lee’s energy and drive to represent the 18^th Congressional District and its residents.

“She’s a charismatic, bold leader who serves the people,” Jackson said. “I’ve watched her, I’ve followed her, I love the empathy, the care and the compassion that she’s shown for her community here in Houston and for the nation as a whole.”

It took 70 years after its construction for the city to open its doors to honor Dr. Michael DeBakey, a pioneer in cardiac surgery and co-inventor of the artificial heart. Just 16 years later, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee became the second person to receive the honor.

President Joe Biden will be in town briefly Monday night and Vice President Kamala Harris later in the week to pay their respects.

Events and opportunities for Houstonians to view, remember, reflect and honor Jackson Lee will begin Tuesday and continue through Thursday, when she will be laid to rest.