Statements On The Death Of Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Submitted by David Potts on Wed, 08/20/2008 - 9:17pm.
Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty:
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was one of the most compassionate, most dedicated and most talented individuals I have had the pleasure to work with and call a friend. She fought for the vulnerable and stood up for the rights of every citizen. Her optimism and her heart were displayed everyday in her service to her constituents, her communities and the nation. She opened doors for African-Americans everywhere, and her legacy will endure.
Otto and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Congresswoman's family and friends. This is a very sad day for us and a very sad day for the people of Cleveland and all Ohioans."
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern:
"Today, I join the people of Cleveland in mourning the passing of a great and wonderful public servant. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a gifted trailblazer with a spirit as big as the city she loved. Her incredible legacy will never fade from our memories."
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama:
“Michelle and I are saddened to hear today’s news about Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She is a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Cleveland and a devoted public servant for all Americans. We send our heartfelt prayers to Stephanie and her family at this very difficult time.”
Later on, after Tubbs Jones’ death was announced, Obama released a second statement:
"Michelle and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant. It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind - and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate. It was an honor to serve with Stephanie in Congress, and I know her legacy will live on in all those who walk the trails she blazed and walk through the doors she opened. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved her."
Victoria Wulsin, Congressional Candidate in the 2nd District:
“Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was a trail blazer, a dedicated public servant and I was proud to call her a friend. I will keep Stephanie and her family in my heart and in my prayers.”
“God has called Stephanie home, but her good work lives on and her memory will inspire generations to come.”
Governor Ted Strickland
“Frances and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congresswomen Stephanie Tubbs Jones. We served together in the Congress, where I witnessed her passionate and selfless commitment to her constituents. I am grateful for the opportunity to have called Stephanie my colleague, and I am proud to have called her my friend. Our friendship deepened during the long primary season as we worked together for Senator Clinton. Stephanie was a strong, courageous and compassionate advocate for the poor and vulnerable. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the people of Ohio’s 11th Congressional District during this difficult time.”
Richard Cordray:
"This is a tragic blow for the people of Cleveland and for all of Ohio. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was a first-rate judge and prosecutor and as a Congresswoman, she was a lioness for her district. She had a glow about her that made everyone around her light up. She was loved and will be sorely missed. "
Congressman Charlie Wilson (D-6th district):
“I’m deeply saddened by today’s news. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a champion for the residents of the greater Cleveland area and a tireless voice for Ohio. My deepest sympathy goes out to her son and to her extended family. She will be sorely missed by the Ohio Congressional Delegation, by all of Congress, and I will miss working with her.”
And probably the most fitting one I received today came from Joyce Beatty when the reports that Tubbs Jones was in critical condition came out this afternoon:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie, her family and her friends. She has given so many miracles, she deserves one of her own.”
Sadly, it was not to be.
Update:
DNC Chairman Howard Dean:
"We are greatly saddened about the passing of Congresswoman Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was a true American hero and inspiring leader, having spent a lifetime breaking barriers and standing up for her values. Just last week I was honored to have Stephanie join me on the campaign trail in Ohio where, as always, her infectious energy, enthusiasm and passion uplifted the crowd. Her voice will be greatly missed.
"This is a great loss for our Party and our nation. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' friends and family during this difficult time."
Update #2:
Nancy Garland, candidate for the Ohio House 20th district:
"Ohio lost today one of its greatest champions and trailblazers. Stephanie was a role model for women across our great state, an advocate for Ohioans, and a dedicated public servant. The times I had the pleasure of listening to her speak, her ability to inspire was apparent. People across the state will dearly miss her and treasure the impact she made on all of us."
Update #3:
Congressional Candidate Bill O'Neill
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. This is a tragic loss for the people of Northeast Ohio. I will forever remember her smile, her laugh, and the passion she brought to the halls of Congress. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family this evening."
Update #4:
Bill and Hillary Clinton:
There are few words to express the shock we feel at this time. Our deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, and supporters.
Stephanie's friendship meant the world to us, a friendship that deepened through every trial and challenge. We could always count on her to be a shoulder on which to lean, an ear to bend, a voice to reassure. Over the course of many years, with many ups and many downs, Stephanie was right by our side-unwavering, indefatigable.
It was that fighting spirit-safely stowed behind her disarming smile, backed by so much integrity and fiery intelligence-that allowed Stephanie to rise from modest beginnings, to succeed in public service, to become a one-woman force for progress in our country.
All of us who were lucky to know her and love her can only hope now to live like her-to be as passionate, loyal, hard charging, and joyful in life's pursuits.
Stephanie was one of a kind. We will miss our friend always.
Rep. Betty Sutton (D-13th district):
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. This is truly a tragic loss for the people of Ohio's 11th District, who she loved so very much and for Americans she stood up for across this country.
Her amazing spirit and selfless dedication touched and brightened so many lives. I am honored to have known and have served alongside her. Stephanie was more than my colleague; she was my friend and sister. I will miss her greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with her son Mervyn and her family at this very sad time."
Update #5:
President and Mrs. Bush:
Laura and I are saddened by the death of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
As a proud lifelong resident of Ohio's 11th District, she devoted her career to serving her community at both the State and national levels. She was an effective legislator who was dedicated to helping small businesses, improving local schools, expanding job opportunities for Ohioans, and ensuring that more of them have access to healthcare. After making history as the first African American woman elected to Congress from Ohio, the Congresswoman worked to expand the rights of all Americans. Our Nation is grateful for her service.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her son Mervyn Leroy Jones, II and the rest of her family.
More
From Sen. Voinovich:
"Janet and I are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our friend Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. Stephanie was a conscientious public servant, full of life and enthusiastic about her work for the citizens of Ohio's 11th district, including my family. I always marveled at the astounding positivity with which she lived her life after facing such personal challenges over the years. Although we came from different sides of the aisle politically, Stephanie and I collaborated on numerous issues over the years, most recently coming together to bring much needed relief to Ohio homeowners suffering from the foreclosure crisis. She joined me at the White House in December when President Bush signed our Mortgage Relief Act into law and I have a beautiful photo of us in the Rose Garden that day hanging prominently in my office. I am going to miss her as a friend and colleague, and her leadership will most certainly be missed by her constituents, Northeast Ohio and the state as a whole."
From DCCC Chairman Van Hollen:
“Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a courageous voice for equality and a fierce advocate for her constituents. As the first African American woman to represent Ohio in Congress and a preeminent voice in the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones spent every day working to make America a more perfect union.
"Whether it was her fight to keep families from losing their homes to foreclosure or to ensure that every vote is counted in our elections, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones approached every battle with passion, grace, and determination.
"On behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, I extend my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' son Mervyn, her entire family, many friends, and her constituents in Ohio's 11th Congressional District. I hope it is of some comfort that the thoughts and prayers of so many are with them at this difficult time."
From Steve LaTourrette:
"Everyone thinks all we do in Washington is fight and that Republicans and Democrats never get along, but Stephanie has been my dear, dear friend for more than 20 years, dating back to our days as county prosecutors. She is a force of nature and is always the most popular and gregarious person in any room. She's an incredibly loving and exuberant spirit, and my thoughts and prayers are with her son, her family, her friends and staff."
Congressman Tim Ryan:
"I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the death of my friend and colleague the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
"She was a tireless advocate for those she represented and a powerful voice in the Ohio Congressional delegation.
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was full of life, a trendsetter and broke through glass ceilings with every step she took. She was my mom in Congress. She helped me learn my way in Congress and I will always be grateful for her guidance and support".
Sherrod Brown:
"I have lost not just a colleague; I have lost a real friend. Stephanie was that rare person who filled whatever room she entered, whether she was in our home for dinner or leading a crowd of thousands at the Cleveland Convention Center. She was beloved to Connie and me, and to our children. I cannot imagine the House of Representatives without Stephanie Tubbs Jones. We pray for her family, friends, and staff in this time of breathtaking loss."
Congressman Pat Tiberi:
It was a privilege and an honor to serve alongside Stephanie Tubbs Jones both in the House and together on the Ways and Means Committee. She represented her district with energy, determination, and passion. Her tireless effort to improve the lives of her constituents was evident in all she did. Cleveland, and in fact Ohio, lost a great daughter today; we will all miss her. My prayers are with her close friends and family."
Congresswoman Betty Sutton:
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. This is truly a tragic loss for the people of Ohio's 11th District, who she loved so very much and for Americans she stood up for across this country.
Her amazing spirit and selfless dedication touched and brightened so many lives. I am honored to have known and have served alongside her. Stephanie was more than my colleague; she was my friend and sister. I will miss her greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with her son Mervyn and her family at this very sad time."
Dennis Kucinich (after visiting STJ at the hospital):
"It is very hard to absorb this. My heart goes out to her son. It is such a loss to him. She was a wonderful mother. And of course it was a great loss to the nation. She did Cleveland proud. It is so stunning.
Everyone was her girlfriend and her boyfriend. She had this 100 mega-white smile that would light up a room. She was so much a part of the community. It is hard to imagine. She was fierce defender of civil and voting rights who a lot of courage. People of Cleveland should remember she had a profound sense of justice and fairness. No matter what I say, it won't sufficient."
Outside of Ohio:
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer:
"Today we mourn the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, even as we fondly recall her life and accomplishments. Her passing comes as a shock, but we can take solace in her fulfilling life of service to the people of Ohio and of our nation.
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones distinguished herself as a judge, a prosecutor, and one of Cleveland's African-American leaders. For nearly ten years, I've been proud to serve beside her in the House of Representatives. She was a respected Member of Congress who represented her constituents with passion and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL):
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was more than just a colleague to me -- she was like a beloved family member who offered unconditional love and support. She treated me as a son, and I embraced her as a mother.
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones didn't like people; she loved people. She didn't shake constituents' hands; she warmly hugged them. She didn't just enter a room, sitting silently as an observing onlooker; she was the life of the party, with a lightning bright smile and an infectious laugh.
"Today, I have shed many tears remembering a woman who lived an extraordinary life, and accomplished much in the short time she was with us. Today we have lost a champion for the underserved and a heroine to so many.
"On behalf of my mother, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, my wife Leslie, and children, Lauren and Kendrick Jr., we mourn alongside her son, Mervyn Leroy Jones, II, sister, Barbara Walker, extended family, admiring friends and staff. We are forever enriched because we played a small part of Stephanie Tubbs Jones blessed life."