Rep. José E. Serrano
(D) New York
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a dear friend of mine and a great leader whose untimely passing came as a great shock.
When I first met her, I had no idea the depth and breadth of her accomplishments. As I learned more, it seemed like she had been the first black woman to achieve everything in Ohio. And she deserved to have been first at everything—she was truly a first-class leader but also down-to-earth. Often you meet people in higher office who have achieved a great deal but are somewhat remote and unapproachable. Stephanie was the complete opposite. Anyone could speak to her about anything and feel that they were truly being listened to and understood. She was, beyond doubt, one of the most kind and compassionate people you could ever meet. Keep reading
Sam Fulwood III
TheRoot.com
Journalists like me rarely admit to liking people in the news.
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.
I came to know the congresswoman shortly after moving to Cleveland in 2000 as a metro columnist at the city’s daily. Columnists are paid to have—and express—opinions. I had license to be subjective, whether in praise or criticism of her.
We disagreed often and spiritedly, in public and in private. I took issue with her penchant for secrecy and what I considered to be mistaken judgments on federal policies and local politics.
I was tough on her. But she could take it. “You do your job, and I’ll do mine,” she once told me. She grinned that gummy smile and bear-hugged me.
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.
Stephanie cared deeply, intimately about the people in her district.
And, in return, they loved her back…
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