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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE MOURNS THE PASSING OF DR. EDITH IRBY JONES

July 17, 2019

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robin K. Chand

July 16, 2019 202-225-3816

Press Statement

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Mourns the Passing of Dr. Edith Irby Jones

Jackson Lee: "Dr. Jones did not let the rigors of age slow her down. Well into her later years, Dr. Jones continued to work, because she recognized the import of her mission—to help those in need any way she could. I will remember her for all these reasons, but also for her joy. Dr. Jones was always full of joy and had a love of life, which was infectious. For her scholarship and her service, she leaves her handprint on her profession, Houston—the city we all know, love and call home—and our nation. May she rest in peace."

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, released this statement on the passing of Dr. Edith Irby Jones:

"I mourn the passing of a pioneer of the medical field, Dr. Edith Irby Jones. While I am saddened at her passing, I also rejoice for the life she lived and I am filled with gratitude for the contributions she made to make our world a better place.

"Edith Irby Jones was born in 1927, during the height of Jim Crow, when separate but equal was the law of the land, and women had only recently gained the right to vote. When she was only 8-years old, she lost her father and four years later, her sister would die of typhoid fever. Young Edith herself suffered from rheumatic fever, an ailment which made it difficult to walk or attend school. She spoke often of her family's lack of access to adequate medical care, and how that situation contributed to her eventual career.

"Dr. Jones's accolades are well known, but worth recounting here: she was the first African American graduate of the University of Arkansas Medical School; she was appointed clinical assistant professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and in 1985 she was elected first woman president of the National Medical Association. She was an inductee into the University of Arkansas School of Medicine and was named a distinguished Alumna and inducted into the University of Arkansas Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association.

"While she was born a daughter of Arkansas, we claim her in Houston, after she moved to the area and became a leader in the community. She was a civic leader, always one to render aid, give advice and counsel. In a world dominated by men, she made her mark as a role model for women throughout our community and the nation. And, long before the Affordable Care Act would transform and facilitate access to affordable quality medical care, Dr. Jones was there, opening her doors to those who needed access to medical care. She did this, undoubtedly, because of her own experience and because she understood how healthcare can transform the lives of the less fortunate. She was also a leader of the historic Riverside Hospital.

"Dr. Jones did not let the rigors of age slow her down. Well into her later years, Dr. Jones continued to work, because she recognized the import of her mission—to help those in need any way she could. I will remember her for all these reasons, but also for her joy. Dr. Jones was always full of joy and had a love of life, which was infectious. For her scholarship and her service, she leaves her imprint on her profession, on Houston—the city we all know, love and call home—and on our nation. May she rest in peace."

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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security.