Mayor's Press Release
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee to Lie in State in City Hall Rotunda
Congresswoman bestowed highest honor of lying in state at Houston City Hall in recognition of her significant contributions to the City of Houston and her dedicated service to her constituents
Information update Friday, July 26
July 23, 2024 -- The late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will lie in state in the Houston City Hall rotunda, 901 Bagby, on Monday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DETAILS
Mayor John Whitmire will greet Congresswoman Jackson Lee's family, faith leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public at the beginning of the City of Houston's tribute to the 18th Congressional District Representative who died on Friday, July 19, 2024.
BRIEF PRAYER SERVICE
The mayor and faith leaders chosen by the family will hold a brief program on the east steps of Houston City Hall.
Program Participants
- John Whitmire, Mayor, City of Houston
- Reverend Dr. Samuel H. Smith, Sr., with the Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church
- Rabbi Steven Morgen, Congregation Beth Yeshurun
- High Priest Sri Sridharan Raghavan from Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Combined Honor Guard representing the Houston Police and Fire Department
- Following the service, the City Hall rotunda will open to allow the public to pay their final respects and sign a book of condolence.
PARKING
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to use rideshare or public transportation. There will be free street and garage parking near the city hall.
FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF
Gov. Abbott has approved Mayor Whitmire's request to lower the flags to half-staff on City Hall and municipal buildings beginning Monday, July 29 - the Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, Celebration of Life Service - "Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee" at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Due to limited space, only pool representatives can access the rotunda.
The brief ceremony on the steps of Houston City Hall is open press.
HTV, the City's Municipal Channel, will serve as pool camera, and KHOU Channel 11 will transmit the video to partnering stations.
The Houston Chronicle is the photography pool. Please email photoeditor@chron.com to request images.
INFORMATION RELEASED EARLIER THIS WEEK
Congresswoman Jackson Lee is the second person to be bestowed the rare honor of lying in state in the Houston City Hall rotunda.
In 2008, the family of Dr. Michael DeBakey requested that his body lie in state so that Houstonians could remember the legendary heart surgeon.
On Monday, Mayor Whitmire extended the honor to Congresswoman Jackson Lee, and her family members accepted.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Jackson Lee's family, staff, and friends. This is a time for unity across Houston as we honor her life and legacy. Although we were opponents in the recent mayoral race, we shared a long history of collaboration spanning over 30 years. Despite our different styles, we consistently worked towards the same goals, advocating for the issues that matter most to Houstonians," said Mayor Whitmire.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee began her political career as a City of Houston Municipal Court Judge. She then served on the Houston City Council before being elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas in 1994. She was an influential and forceful voice in Washington for her constituents and the City of Houston.
"For decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a dedicated fighter for Houstonians. I invite everyone to visit City Hall to pay tribute to this true public servant and honor her unwavering commitment to our community," said Mayor Whitmire.