Remembering Stephanie

[KamaAina]

from a Plain Dealer columnist.

http://www.theroot.com/id/47740

But I have no qualms or shame in admitting that I shed huge, salty tears after hearing that Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the Democratic Ohio congresswoman, died Wednesday from a brain aneurysm. She was 58, and she was my friend....

Stephanie—as nearly everyone in Ohio's 11th congressional district called her—and I visited each other's homes, exchanged confidences and consoled each other during personal dramas. We played bid whist. She inspired my daughter—whom she called "Babygirl"—to give something of herself in community service. Her cell phone number remains on speed dial in mine; I don't know when I'll find the strength to remove it....

I live in her district, which includes both poor and inner-city residents along with some of the region's most affluent and well- educated folk. She bridged the gap like few political leaders could. For as long as her district remained intact, she was guaranteed an unassailable seat in Congress. She replaced the highly regarded Louis Stokes in Congress. I can't imagine who will replace her.

Of course, not everyone shared my high opinion of her. Racist gibberish popped up almost immediately on the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Web site when it was announced she was nearing death, forcing a shutdown of the comments section.

The long-range outlook calls for continued racist gibberish throughout the fall campaign... although she supported the other primary candidate, Stephanie and Obama are/were among the very best, and in a just society, wouldn't be the subject of such gibberish.

[DarthDem]

1. Thanks.

RIP. Truly sad. What a wonderful person she was.

[midnight]

2. She gave her word and it meant that she stood by what she said.

Not very many of these people left. You will be missed.

[liberaldem4ever]

3. I really admired her passion when she spoke

God bless her and her family. I was so sorry to hear about her sudden death. Life is so fragile; her sudden passing made me remember how unexpectedly we can leave this Earth and how much we should appreciate the short time we are given here.

I'm sure she inspired lots of little girls like her friend's daughter to aspire to be in public service and to help their fellow citizens. That is really a huge accomplishment and a great legacy to be proud of. Rest in peace.