Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a dear friend, a dignified legislator, and an effective, passionate advocate for her northeast Ohio constituents. Her passing is tragic beyond words, and Ohio has lost a dedicated public servant in Washington. As the first African American woman to represent Ohio in Congress, Stephanie was a trailblazer in politics and a role model for African Americans and women alike.

As former judges and prosecutors, Stephanie and I shared similar career tracts that led us to Washington. Sadly, we also shared similar personal losses and tragedies. But Stephanie always found remarkable strength in overcoming these misfortunes, and I have always deeply admired her for her tremendous courage and resolve. My thoughts and prayers go out to her sister, Barbara Walker, and to her wonderful son, Mervyn, who has lost a devoted and loving mother as committed to family as she was to public service.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Uncategorized .