August 21, 2008
Case Western Reserve President Snyder remembers Stephanie Tubbs Jones as Political Pioneer, University Friend
To the Case Western Reserve University Community:
Stephanie Tubbs Jones with Barbara Snyder
I share with all of you profound sorrow at the sudden death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, one of our most distinguished alumnae.
A graduate of both Flora Stone Mather College and our School of Law, Stephanie emerged as one of Ohio's modern-day political pioneers. She was the first female and first African-American to serve as prosecutor in Cuyahoga County, the first African-American woman to serve as a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and the first African-American woman from Ohio elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
But for all of these historic accomplishments, what always struck me most about Stephanie was her capacity to bring joy to others.
I cannot recall a single conversation with Stephanie where she didn't make me smile or laugh. She had such energy, character and genuine affection for people—you couldn't help but feel uplifted even after just a few moments in her presence. Certainly Stephanie took her professional roles seriously; she was committed to justice and equitable treatment for all, and worked relentlessly to advance those goals. Yet she always demonstrated a sense of exuberant engagement in the activities of the day—whether seeking to mediate a teachers' strike in Maple Heights or campaigning for Hillary Clinton across the country. You knew she loved what she did. You knew she loved making a difference in people's' lives.
Stephanie was such a friend to her alma mater. She attended Commencements and Convocations, hosted our annual GospelFests and even served as a Grand Marshal in our Homecoming Parade. She spoke frequently of her pride in being a "double graduate" of Case Western Reserve University, sometimes joking that she cared for the place so much she chose a home across the street from our campus. She maintained close friendships with classmates and even her undergraduate dean, Patricia Kilpatrick.
"I loved her so much," Stephanie once said of Pat, "I had Mervyn on her birthday."
Our hearts go out to Mervyn Jones II, who has lost his wonderful mother only five years after his father died. Just as Stephanie proved to be such a wonderful and kind supporter of our university, so too will we seek to provide him and the rest of her family with whatever comfort we can in this trying time.
Death always challenges us, never more so than when it strikes without warning. Amid our shock and disbelief, we search for explanations to make sense of what we cannot hope to understand. I am no exception. Today I recalled the funeral service for Rosa Parks, when Oprah Winfrey spoke of meeting a civil rights giant who proved "petite, almost delicate" in person. Oprah continued:
"After our first meeting I realized that God uses good people to do great things. And I'm here today to say a final thank you…"
Today, we at Case Western Reserve University say the same to Stephanie Tubbs Jones—and I know we are just some of many.
If you would like to join our community and me in remembering Stephanie Tubbs Jones, please feel free to record your thanks and memories or read the reflections of others at http://blog.case.edu/alumni.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Snyder
President
Posted by: Heidi Cool August 21, 2008 11:18 AM | Category: memoriam
Posted by: Heidi Cool August 21, 2008 11:18 AM | Comments (17) | Trackback
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One of my favorite memories of Stephanie is of the time that she was the speaker at the School of Nursing commencement. Afterward, as we were talking, I asked if she would mind if someone took a picture of us. As we were posing, she reached over and removed the staff name tag I was wearing and said, "You won't want this in the picture." It struck me how quick and sharp her mind was to notice such a small detail and how thoughtful she was to care about something that would probably only matter to me! Many people of her stature would have been annoyed that I even asked, but not Stephanie. She showed that big heart, sincere nature, and brilliant mind in all matters large AND small. The world's short one bright and shining star.
When I was in college, at Case Institute of Technology (1960-64), we had a great cook at our Fraternity house (Sigma Nu). She was a tall, powerful woman whom I liked and whose daughter occasionally came over before dinner time from school in a cab.
Years later, I met the daughter - at political events - and she much enjoyed talking with me about her Mom and the fraternity, and I understand that cooking was a big part of her life. I am fortunate to have, as a last memory of her, the meeting in South Euclid last week -August 14th - where she delivered her messages with such passion, force, and so much from the heart: her Mother's name was Mary Tubbs, and hers, Stephanie Tubbs Jones...
Charles Pervo
It is certainly with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She has absolutely been a trend-setter not only in Cleveland but nationally. Her passion, drive and energy are to be admired and desired. We must all continue to serve as role models for the young people of this city. They must know that a person from this city can lead and serve their community in the same style as a wonderful person like Tubbs Jones. To her family we extend our prayers and our thoughts.
I will always remember Stephanie's smile and uplifting attitude. She was a friend and a supporter in the time of need and especially at one particuliar time in my professional career. She was there to support and defend me like a true sister and I am for ever grateful.She certainly touched many lives in so many ways and was always willing to do what ever she could for every cause personally, professionally and politically.She was one of the great soldier here on God's earth and she will never be forgotten.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a force to be reckoned with. The University, Cleveland, the nation and the world have lost a fearless defender of all people and a true friend and mentor to many. Though I did not know her very well, I will remember her devotion to all of her constituents and her desire to make life better for all of us. I remember her at a School of Nursing Commencement Ceremony. She blew us away with her wit, her candor, her devotion and her genuine feelings of care for the School and our students. May her family only remember the good times and revel in the respect and love we all had for her. It will be a very long time before we see another woman of her stature and caring in this community. May she rest in God's arms and watch us from above.
Me and Mrs. Jones. . .
I met Stephanie during first day orientation at Case Law in August 2002. Three years later, she gave me the best Christmas present ever when she offered me my first professional position as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with her office. I've had the opportunity to work for Stephanie for several years. To say she was a special lady is an understatement. Stephanie was special to everyone, but in an individual sort of way. Even after I left her office and moved out of her district, I still considered her my congresswoman, my representative in Washington. With Stephanie there, I always felt I had a voice. With Stephanie gone, I feel that I have lost not only a mentor but a beacon of hope. Goodbye Mrs. Jones. I will miss you.
A true champion of ethics,the disenfranchised, justice and equality. A truly remarkable woman who has been, and will be a legacy for us all to follow. She has left her mark, and done her job here on earth to its fullest. We are forever in her debt.
Stephanie, We still feel your spunk, fighting spirit, and love and it'll continue to carry us onward indefinitely. Thank you!
Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones allowed me to complete my MSN degree by providing me with a scholarship for two consecutive years. I am proud to have known her and feel honored to have the chance to carry on her legacy of helping others.
Karen Johnson-Guy
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Stephanie: Her Legacy 8.22.08
When you are working or volunteering in politics you meet people from every walk of life. You also meet public servants, and it doesn’t take long to tell which ones are well-intended and which ones are just plain cocky and full of themselves. I wish I could say that the jerks are limited to the upper echelons of government, but the truth is, you will find the good and the bad at the top, at the bottom, and everywhere in between. There is just something that comes from within that keeps the humble ones humble. Whether it stems from a particular life experience, a religious belief, or just the people around them – I do not know. But I do know it when I see it.
I think that’s why I am still reeling at the loss of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was just such a good person, it hurts. Volunteering in Cleveland, I first crossed paths with her at both political functions and community causes. She knew my face and not my name, but she valued me just the same. She would stop and talk to all the volunteers and smile, and look at you without looking down at you. You got the sense that she really took you in, that she valued you, she respected you, and she wanted the best for you. She was a ball of fire -- and in her own fiery, determined, courageous way -- I think she inspired all of us to do better, be better, and think better of the world around us. She was a real gem. A true gift. She will be sorely missed.
~~ Kara Afrates ~~
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a Congresswoman from Cleveland. She died suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm. My heart goes out to her friends and family at this difficult time.
Posted on http://www.dcvibes.blogspot.com
August 22, 2008
With profund sorrow, Arlene and I note the passing of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. Stephanie was an undergraduate student leader -- one in the forefront of those presenting the University with a "non-negotiable demand" that led to my appointment as director of University Counseling (1969-1974). Her gift to me, and surely to countless others, was her impressive capacity to respectfully and unflinchingly provide an incisive, alternative perspective.
In the heady days of the "student revolution" Stephanie taught me to hear students and to commit to faithfully represent students' interests and concerns. Likewise, she well- served "the administration's" as an emissary to students. It was abundantly clear to me that Stephanie would enjoy an illustrious career. I am fortunate to have experienced her leadership and friendship to through the years.
Arlene and I extend our appreciation to CWRU for honoring Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. We extend our sympathy to her family and our thanks for her life of dedicated srevice to all of us.
Harold E. Cheatham (GRS 73)
Dean and Professor Emeritus
Clemson University
With profund sorrow, Arlene and I note the passing of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. Stephanie was an undergraduate student leader -- one in the forefront of those presenting the University with a "non-negotiable demand" that led to my appointment as director of University Counseling (1969-1974). Her gift to me, and surely to countless others, was her impressive capacity to respectfully and unflinchingly provide an incisive, alternative perspective.
In the heady days of the "student revolution" Stephanie taught me to hear students and to commit to faithfully represent students' interests and concerns. Likewise, she well- served "the administration's" as an emissary to students. It was abundantly clear to me that Stephanie would enjoy an illustrious career. I am fortunate to have experienced her leadership and friendship to through the years.
Arlene and I extend our appreciation to CWRU for honoring Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. We extend our sympathy to her family and our thanks for her life of dedicated srevice to all of us.
Harold E. Cheatham (GRS 73)
Dean and Professor Emeritus
Clemson University
God bless Stephanie Tubbs Jones and her whole family. The world is left with a little less sparkle because of her final graduation.
Virginia M. Brown (FSM 72-73).
Former resident of Taft House, 2nd floor,1968-69.
Art teacher, Boston Public Schools.
The last three days have truly been surreal. When I received the news I was stunned. My thoughts immediately went to Mervyn, her son, for it is as a team that they have gracefully navigated joy and pain, trials and triumphs—especially over the recent years. My sincere condolences to all family and friends.
I first met our Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones almost 20years ago. I was invited to serve on a committee at the school where her young son was enrolled that also is my high school Alma Mater. I do not doubt for a minute that Stephanie had a hand in that particular committee’s establishment. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage and collaborate with her many times very recently and through the years. Students in Cleveland and at the University with whom I serve, and I, personally, have benefited greatly from her caring and generosity.
It’s not the outstanding leader that I will miss most, but the extraordinary person. Behind that seemingly tough exterior, was a most tender heart, and it was never more apparent than when she was with children. A mentor and ‘Mommie’ to literally hundreds and hundreds of youth, Stephanie took great care of ‘her babies’. She always greeted you by name and with a warm hug if she knew you, and introduced herself and got to know you if she didn’t. She never took herself too seriously and had a wonderful sense of humor. As C.J. Prentiss reminded us yesterday, true to her cultural tradition, she always remembered to “Lift as I Climb.” We call her Stephanie not because we don’t honor her accomplishments and her position, but because she welcomed us as family. We in Glenville have been blessed to be able to say that for a lifetime.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones knew joy. She shared it and she spread it. She was the genuine article. Not just a servant of the people—all the people—but forever remained one of the people. She is, and will always be, so loved.
Humbly,
Janice A. Eatman.Williams, Mgmt ’01, SAS ‘01
Resident and Neighbor
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the FIRST public servant and politician that I felt I could believe in since I was a child growing up in the era of the Kennedys, John and Bobby, and Martin Luther King. As fellow alumni, can we, graduates of CWRU, give something back to her family for all she has done? How about creating an educational fund/endowment? It would be something that could be used by her son if he wanted to further his education or even her grandchildren. CWRU as a community can pull together and give something back to someone who has given so much. I am always proud to be an alumnus of Case Western Reserve University and this could be a way to say "thank you Stephanie". I would certainly be willing to donate money.
I first met Stephanie as a 10th grader, a student in the CWRU Upward Bound Program. Stephanie was an undergrad student at CWRU and a Upward Bound counselor. We clicked immediately and have remained friends ever sense. Will never forget how she helped me in my effort to attend CWRU law school after Oberlin College. Stehphanie was the student rep on the admission's panel and went to bat for me....she had known me since I was a 10th grader, had followed me through Oberlin, one of the best schools int he world, and was able to share without reservation to the committee that she had no doubt but that I could meet the challenge of CWRU law school. The rest is history. Like Stephanie...I guess it was one of the many things that rubbed off on me...I have never forgotten my roots despite my personal and professional success much of which I owe to her guidance and wise counsel.
Words cannot express my sincere gratitude or my sense of loss and the best I can say is thank God that He allowed Tubbs (as those close to her affectionately referred to her) in my life. The best I can do to show my gratitude and thanks is to continue to try and be more like her, to reach back to help the least, the lost and the left out and to use my position and influence to make a difference
When I was in college, at Case Institute of Technology (1960-64), we had a great cook at our Fraternity House (Sigma Nu), who was a tall, powerful woman whom I liked and whose daughter occasionally came over before dinner time from school in a cab.
Years later, I met the daughter - at political events - and she much enjoyed talking with me about her Mom and the fraternity. I am fortunate to have, as a last memory of her, the meeting in South Euclid last week, where she delivered her messages with such passion, force, and so much from the heart: her Mother's name was Mary Tubbs, and hers, Stephanie Tubbs Jones...