The funeral service, held at Fallbrook Church in Houston, lasted over three hours and saw attendance from numerous notable current and former elected officials, as well as celebrities.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the eulogy for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, speaking to her legacy at the Houston representative’s funeral. The event featured appearances from former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, several members of the U.S. House and Senate, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and performances by Grammy Award-winning singer Stevie Wonder, and gospel artists Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, and Pastor Shirley Caesar.
“To know Sheila Jackson Lee was to know a true champion, a fierce advocate for justice,” Harris remarked. “She possessed deep faith and compassion, and was a beloved member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, as well as a dear friend to my husband Doug and me.”
Harris highlighted Jackson Lee’s dedication to her work in both Washington, D.C., and Houston. “She paid attention to every detail, no matter how minor, ensuring that everything was understood and used to benefit the people she served,” Harris emphasized. Jackson Lee was noted for her intelligence, strategic thinking, and persistence.
“Even brief encounters with her were serious and specific,” Harris recalled humorously. “If she spotted you in the hall, you knew a thorough and urgent conversation was coming about whatever issue she championed.”
Harris recounted how Jackson Lee found creative solutions for her constituents, such as when she raised over $350,000 from business leaders to keep public pools open in Houston during a budget shortfall.
The vice president also praised Jackson Lee’s advocacy for women’s rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and her role in making Juneteenth a federal holiday. At one point, Harris misspoke, saying “As president, it was my honor,” before correcting herself to “vice president,” which prompted cheers and applause from the crowd.
Speakers at the funeral also included Rev. Al Sharpton, Attorney Ben Crump, and Dr. Glenda Glover. The service concluded with Stevie Wonder giving a heartfelt performance.