Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Dies

Houston-area Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Today, with deep sadness for our loss but profound gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas’s 18th Congressional District,” her office said in a statement.

Jackson Lee, who has represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District for 30 years, announced last month that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She had previously battled breast cancer and was declared cured in 2011.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee was 74 years old. Funeral services are underway.