ALUMNI CONVERSATIONS

Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones was an inspiration to all the students at Case but specifically to those in leadership. Her vibrant approach to student leadership and being involved showed through her speeches, workshops and simply through her ENTHUSIASM for her work serving the public. We sincerely loved her and we were SO VERY proud of her work as a public servant. She was deeply committed and sincere in serving others...it was humbling to observe.

Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones was an exceptional role model for all, especially young black female Clevelanders. I have memories of Ms Tubbs-Jones from my youth of her speaking at various programs at my elementary and high schools; meeting her for the first time as a freshman in high school; attending her weekend entrepenuer workshop for high schoolers; and her speech at our recent MLK week festivities. I am so proud to be apart of the Congresswoman's dreams of CWRU becoming more diversified and embracing of all people- especially black woman. As a graduate of CWRU, c/o '08, I will forever be proud to share my alma mater with such a great woman who was not afraid to beat the odds and break the mold for women. Tubbs-Jones will always be an example to me of how to get your education, start your career, have a family, but most importantly keep God and recognize Him in all that you do! My prayers are with her family; she will be missed!

Extraordinary woman, extraordinary accomplishments, extraordinary empowerment, extraordinary leader....extraordinarily missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Stephanie was a very dear friend and we had such a wonderful time here at the university when we were students. Stephanie will surely be missed by so many and I will personally mourn her loss as one of my truly good friends.

For my sister!

"Proper Perspectives" -

I think sometimes we don't know how to appreciate
the things that are truly most important.
Like a smile, laughter, a kiss, a hug, that little touch of the hand, that makes life all worth living.
It's not the things that we can buy, the material things that we so often grow up wanting.
All of these things can be taken away and then replaced, but you, there is only one you.
So when it is all said and done I'd settle for the little things, that if we are lucky, we learn mean so much.
So the next time you forget to appreciate the things that are truly most important, try sharing:
A smile, some laughter, a kiss, a simple touch of the hand, and remember what really makes life all worth living.

Gadepa Jr.

It is with profound sadness that I learned of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones sudden illness and death. My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie's son Merwyn and her family. I remember how proud Stephanie was when Merwyn graduated from College--she introduced Merwyn to me at a University event, the buttons were practically popping off her jacket! A loving mother and a devoted son stood before me. Stephanie and her late husband raised a remarkable young man and we are praying for him during this difficult time and will continue to do so. All of us are so priviledged to have had Stephanie in our lives--professionally and personally--her death creates a void that's impossible to fill. But she would want us to carry on and be there for each other. May Stephanie rest in peace.

Ms. Jones contributed greatly to the Women's Re-Entry and Community Re-Entry agencies. She adovocated for the passing of the Second Chance Bill and had a compassion that will never be forgotten. She put people first and advocated for those who are often written off and forgotten by society. She will be greatly missed.

My prayers and sympathy go out to her son Mervyn who I knew from attending Hawken School. Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones was a true leader and role model who will be greatly missed.

I knew she was someone NOT to be trifled with when she held her own during a two-part interview with Stephen Colbert on "The Colbert Report." I believe it remains the only two-part "Better Know a District" segment and certainly one of the funniest. Click the link below and be prepared to laugh:

http://blog.case.edu/ear14/2006/07/10/stephanie_tubbs_jones_on_the_colbert_report

I was stunned to learn of the sudden death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I had the opportunity to speak with this warm, sincere woman after she gave the keynote address at my son's high school graduation. Also, Congresswoman Jones was responsible for my niece receiving a scholarship in regard to pursuing her education at Cleveland State University. Stephanie was known as a woman of integrity, ability , and kindness. Her smile would always light up the room of an audience. My prayers are with her son, Merwyn. Gently...may peace replace his heartache. The loss of this brilliant woman sheds a bright light on how precious each moment of life truly is.

Twenty-seven years ago I asked the youngest judge in the history of Cuyahoga County to speak at the Ohio Leadership Awards Program Scholarship Luncheon. Stephanie gave a dynamic and inspiring address to the prospective students, parents and high school teachers. I will never forget one father who told Stephanie after the program that he hoped that he would never get in trouble, but , if he did, he hoped that the case would be tried in her courtroom becase she was everything that he had envisioned a judge should be, namely warm, caring, inspiring, understanding and honest. I thought that was the ultimate compliment that an individual could pay someone else.The Honorable Stephaie Tubbs-Jones was all that and more. She was always available to assist the university particularly if the program was for students. I cannot believe she is gone. Students, the university and all of us have lost a great friend and leader. I will miss her advice, consideration and kindness. May God Bless and Keep Her.

When the death of Congresswoman Jones was announced on the news in St. Louis, Missouri I was stunned. I immediately recalled our graduation at the 2002 law school commencement. At the time I was uncertain whether she was a good choice of speaker. I vocalized such opinion. I have come to know more of her and how important her contributions are to the Cleveland community as well as the rest of our nation. Congresswoman Jones was a force on the national stage and we are better off for her energy and efforts to make the world a better place. It saddens me to hear of her loss. She will be missed.

I was so proud to tell people I graduated from the same school as Congresswoman Tubbs Jones....I met her during this recent presidential campaign and I was so honored to be connected with her. The day of Senator Clinton's concession speech, we had a conversation with her that needed to be cut short so she could hurry back to Cleveland...we in the campaign were so honored to be working together, with her committment,loyalty and energy.
Each and every person that met her will feel this personal sense of loss
May she rest in peace and be grateful we were blessed with 58 years of her.

She had many good qualities but perhaps the most outstanding was her loyalty to her friends and her energy. Its sad we had to lose her so young.She was real credit to the University.

John Vecchio, Houston Texas, formerly of Cleveland

Congresswoman Jones used to sit next to my daughter at the hair dresser, and although she did not know Tiffany, she would always start a wonderful conversation. She also did something very kind when she saw my son in law at the store with his daughters. She told him what a wonderful father he was and to keep up the good work. She did not know him, but she embrased him anyway. I will miss her presence in our everyday lives.

Adlai Stevenson remarked on the passing of Eleanor Roosevelt that "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness." I recall Stephanie as a shining student, ardent advocate during her undergraduate days as President of the Afro-Am Society. Even then her radiance as a singular presence was undeniable. So it came as no surprise as her stellar career unfolded. Clearly she possessed a quality so lacking in many leaders- compassion and tenacity with a capacity to embrace those with whom she disagreed.

I followed her rise as a proud graduate of Western Reserve College'73 and will always be inspired by the professional and interpersonal strengths Stephanie so nobly emodied. But her smile will illuminate the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.

It is fitting that the University establish some tangible memorial to the life and times of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs.

Congresswoman Jones used to sit next to my daughter at the hair dresser, and although she did not know Tiffany, she would always start a wonderful conversation. She also did something very kind when she saw my son in law at the store with his daughters. She told him what a wonderful father he was and to keep up the good work. She did not know him, but she embrased him anyway. I will miss her presence in our everyday lives.

Stephanie and I were undergrad classmates and friends and I had the chance to visit with her several times in DC. I remember meeting her at the very beginning of our freshman year and learning that we were both turning 18 (3.2 beer eligible) within a few days of one another. I recall the warm smile that she displayed at that time that stayed with her even under difficult circumstances. By the time we were juniors, she was the Black Student Union President and I was the Student Body (UUSG) president. We fought about money, but nothing else, as we were both relentless progressives. She was a tough adversary on the funding issue and did not let our friendship deter her from her goal of increasing resources for her "constituents". Fortunately, she carried that same attitude with her to Congress.

When we visited in DC, I often had my hand out to beg for enhanced resources for biomedical research. As might be expected, Stephanie was a friend on this issue. However, she never let these sessions be a simple "beg and run", asking about the implications of our research, and a lot of other things as well. The conversation was usually free-wheeling and she often brought up the names of our classmates. Alas, I usually didn't remember them. When I asked her how she seemed to remember everybody, she simply pointed to her congressional lapel pin and said "You know, we all have to remember a lot in our jobs, and mine includes people". Of course, she had to remember a lot more than this, and her intellect and ability to wax eloquent (a gift dating back to her undergraduate years) was awesome.

While these may be fond memories, I sure wish that I wasn't writing to eulogize Stephanie right now. Nonetheless, we are all better off for having known and loved her.

I was so proud of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. We attended CWRU during the same years and for over one year shared the same dorm.

Stephanie was dynamic and fun as an undergraduate student. I remember the African-American society did a play and Stephanie played the part of Harriet Tubman. Looking back now, I see that she was really a modern day Harriet Tubman with an extended human race family for Stephanie loved all people and never forgot the plight of the forgotten and disinfranchised.

When she was elected to Congress in 1998, I saw her at a rally at the capitol. We had not seen each other in years, but her infectious smile was the same as it was in undegrad. I was far away, but found a chance to catch up to her in the bowels of the Capitol. I called out to her, she turned and screamed my name. People stopped and looked to see what was amiss. We ran towards each other and jumped for joy like young school girls. After a time, she invited me to her swearing in ceremony for freshman Congressmen. It was doubly delightful because I saw her parents again and met her husband and son...and as members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, her sorors honored her with laughter, song and a huge bouquet of roses. She was never full of herself and she never forgot her friends. I was just always so proud of who she was and how she was so intense in serving people. I am in shock and I don't know what else I can say. She to put it in Maya Angelo's words was a Phenomenal Woman!
JoAnne Minnis, FSM '1972

She was a hero to me and a reason to be so proud of fellow CWRU graduates. I am so proud that she never forgot her alma mater.

I was a senior in high school when Stephanie called my home to encourage me to attend CWRU in 1971. Stephanie was a powerful influence and mentor to the African American students who where in attendance at Case during that period. Her leadership then continued throughout her life and she will be missed. As a resident of Denver, I was looking forward to reconnecting with her this week at the DNC.

I agree with David Johnson, the University should establish a memorial in her honor. She made a difference in the lives of many students at Case. As well, she also made an indelible mark on the world in general.

This is a very sad day for Case and Cleveland. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a great political leader and Alumni. God Bless her Memory and her family.

Sincerely.
Jack R. Gaydar, P.S., P.E., M.ASCE
Case (83')
Engineering Seervices Manager
Avon Lake Municipal Utilities

CWRU, The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio and the United States of America were left better places because Stephanie Tubss-Jones stopped by to bless us all on her wonderful journey.

Kendall Norris
MGT '97

We will miss the many social justice contributions of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. In addition to her many contributions to ethics and social improvement, we are particularly grateful for her avid attention to the voting rights issue.

Wilma Peebles-Wilkins
Dean Emerita
Boston University
MSASS, 1971

When I came to Case in 1971 I was introduced to my dorm mother Stephanie by my play sister the late Verice Mason (CWRU 1974). We got along great talking politics,activism and student life. We partied together and we developed a relationship that has lasted 37 years. I am from D.C. and when she came to Congress and we got together it was as if nothing had changed. A great sister who will be missed by myself and the greater Case community

Gone too soon! Someone remarked, that the most valuable gift one can give to another, is a good example. Congressman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones unselfishly provided herself as a shining example of a loving, loyal, trustworthy, intelligent and honorable individual. How wonderful and proud I felt to know her, while watching her on TV as she graced the stage next to Senator Clinton. Wow! Gone too soon! My thoughts and prayers to the family and countless friends of Congressman Tubbs-Jones. I will miss your "engaging" SMILE.

Blessings,

Audrey Jones Spencer, MSSA, '75

Stephanie was a mentor, a friend and a guiding light to my daughters and me. She will long be remembered by us for her willingness to sit with my daughters years ago when they were in elementary school, visiting her courtroom, discussing "issues of the day." Stephanie and my husband were friends while he was practicing law in Cleveland. Eric is now a Judge in Columbus.

We will all miss Stephanie's incredible personality, unbridled laughter and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. Mervyn, we wish you peace.

Marilyn Brown
Franklin County Commissioner
Friend of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones

Cleveland as well as the CWRU Community has lost a great person. Your commitment to the community and those your served is a shining example of professionalism and dedication that future generations would be wise to follow. May God comfort your family during this time and may He also comfort you with His loving embrace. Our neighborhood will not be the same without you but your memory and legacy will be remembered forever.

Respectfully,

Joseph Robinson, CWRU Police and Security Services

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a brave and noble Congresswoman. I'll always remember her for standing up for the voters of Ohio in the 2004 election. She will truly be missed.

I sent Mrs. Jones an email a month ago. It was about a wonderful teacher that she and Michael R. White shared when they were students at Miles Standish elementary school. I wanted to compile stories of this master teacher into a book. Because of her demanding schedule, she was unable to return my email. Now that this great woman has joined the ancestors, she will be remembered for not only the prodigious achievements and the gender and racial breakthroughs she smashed during her career as a prosecutor, judge and a congresswoman. She will also be remembered for her accessibility, her easy going nature, her ever-present smile and her genuine concern for her fellow man.
You will be missed by your constituents, your colleagues, your friends and all of the people whose lives you have touched and bettered by your presence. Thank you Stephanie for being that “master teacher” that we had the privilege of being our voice in Washington D.C.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a wonderful friend and great statesman. I fondly remember our meeting in 1970. A year later she was house mother of Smith House my sophomore year. While still a student she went on to be the house mother of Raymond House for several years, President of African American Society, and co-founder of the Gospel Choir. Even then she stood tall as a leader and lover of people. If I called her "Congresswoman" she would tell me, "We are friends and we go back too far. I am Stephanie." I loved her for that.

To Mervyn II, sister Barbara and family thank you for sharing Stephanie with the community she loved. May the love, grace and mercy of God be upon you and bring you consolation. In Sympathy, Peace and Love

Politicians have an extraordinary way of making their constituents feel as though they know them personally, each and every time they meet. From the day I first met Stepnanie Tubbs Jones, we were waiting in a three-hour "invitation only" retail sale line at a prominent clothing manufacturer, where she demanded no special favors, but hob-knobbed with the rest of us, just like you would your neighbor, to the last time I saw her, where she has always remained the same: warm, "no airs," just a consumate human being. The devastating news of her being striken with a brain aneurysm, and her death, left me with a quivering voice as I spoke with others on the telephine of her "untimely" demise. Sad and selfish as it may sound, I'd rather see a heroine of our community leave our midst at the height of her battle with social justice, rather than watch her in later years struggle through a diminshed quality-of-life behind the defacing indignities of modern-day technologies.

Artley F. Edwards, MSASS, CWRU

It is sadly ironic that the last time I heard Sephanie Tubbs Jones speak was at Councilwoman Fannie Lewis memorial service only last week. As always, I was moved by her passion, strength, and by the fact that she made the time to be at the service and speak for her friend. My heart goes out to her son and loved ones as this difficult time. She was a true leader, a woman of intelligence and fortitude. All of us will miss her greatly.

I frequently encountered her around the City and always she was the "Ol girl," never strange or reserved. She was a sister to all and a stranger to no one. I know that I will miss the bright smile forever.

over the years working at cwru,seeing stephanie or campus at times or around town she always said how is my sister doing, as if i was her sister i am her sister she loved me and i love her i already miss her but she was an angel she had to go,but she will always be in my thoughts and in my heart i love you stephanie my sister,charlsie

Words cannot express the deep grief I feel. Along with Stephanie and several others of us who still remain close friends,I had the great fortune of living in Taft House at CWRU. The Taft House experience forged a loving relationship that has spanned nearly four decades. Stephanie always was the smiling, energetic, gregarious, CWRU sister who knew everyone. Even then she cultivated a memorable political career. She was involved in so many activities including President of our Afro-Am Society.If you ask any CWRU alum who is the one person they all know and remember, they will say without a doubt, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones! Stephanie loved everyone, and everyone loved Stephanie! The Lord loved Stephanie best! Well done, Sister Tubbs-Jones;the crown is yours!

A true friend, sister, and leader. I hope her legacy will not be lost in the midst of the political arena. As she was strong supporter of Case, I hope to see Case do the same in honoring her properly. She will be missed but she will always be with us.

All of my love,

I thank God for the gift of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Her smile alone was a blessing, her deeds helped so many and her life was an example to all. Rest in well-deserved peace, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones.

As I both reflect on Stephanie and read the comments of others, I am more convinced than ever that it really is about "the dash". Between our date of birth and the date of our death lies our legacy, our mark. Stephanie had the hand of the Lord on her and she left her mark on everything the Lord gave her to do; everyone the Lord put in her path. It is a blessing to have known someone that accomplished so much for so many, and who meant so much to so many. Three cheers for Stephanie. May her family be comforted in knowing that she will live on not only through them but through each one of us.

"CWRU, 1974, Taft House"

It is with great sadness that I post this note. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a wonderful individual who never met a stranger. Her warmth and compassion for others was evident. She treated you as if she knew you her entire life. Always taking time to talk, laugh, and share of herself. I consider myself blessed to have known her and honoured to be an alumni with her. My heartfelt sympathy goes to her entire family especially her son, Mervyn.

I am very saddened by the passing of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends who suffer the greatest loss. Thank you so much for sharing her with us. Like many others I have always referred to as Stephanie without ever knowing her personally because she was always so friendly and accessible. The world and our city will be a much poorer place without her dedication and advocacy on the part of her constituents. I hope that her admirable life-long example of public service, and now her sudden loss, will inspire democrats, citizens, and politicians everywhere to understand that the time to stand up for what you believe in is now. Her passing reminds me that every day counts. Condolences and prayers to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

I met Stephanie Tubbs Jones at FPB just once but was impressed by her "real people" quality that was evident. I was very sad to hear of her sudden passing and extend condolences to her loved ones.

I just saw her the other day, I said " Hi Stephanie!", she looked and reached out to hug me smiling saying "Hi, It's so good to see you",
We will miss her vibrant smile, her hardy laughter and her precious hugs. Stephanie will remain in our hearts forever. My sympathies go out to all of us who loved her, especially her family and wonderful staff.

Stephanie was a "phenomenal woman" who represented the 11th Congressional District with intelligence, commitment, pride and compassion. She was always happy to see you, would always speak and give you a "big Stephanie Tubbs Jones hug." She will be truly missed by many in this community and throughout the nation. I send my deepest sympathy to her sister Barbara, son Mervyn and other members of her family. You will all be in my prayers. God Bless

Stephanie was a "phenomenal woman" who represented the 11th Congressional District with intelligence, commitment, pride and compassion. She was always happy to see you, would always speak and give you a "big Stephanie Tubbs Jones hug." She will be truly missed by many in this community and throughout the nation. I send my deepest sympathy to her sister Barbara, son Mervyn and other members of her family. You will all be in my prayers. God Bless

Dear Alumni Relations:

I too am a double graduate of Case and Stephanie was my house mother in Sherman House dormitory in the '70s. I loved the video, it was very well done.

Thank you,

Charlene Douglas, WRC '75, FPB '78

Thank you sharing your thoughts about Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was most certainly an exceptional woman.I will keep her and her loved ones in my prayer.
Sister Ruth Podesta
Romance Languages - 1971

I had the opportunity to meet Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Her eyes were filled with God's love and her hands were warm, strong and genuine. Honest and unafraid of expression--that is what I will always remember. She will live on through many hearts she touched. My prayers for all of the special ones she loved and those that will miss her presence.

Just PHENOMENAL...a phenomenal woman, a phenomenal individual that has done phenomenal work. Every time I have had the pleasure of being in her presence and hearing her speak, I have always had the same thought "she is phenomenal". Just a great energy and very passionate. She will truely be missed. My prayers are with her family, friends, and those who had the blessing of knowing her well.

Although we never met Stephanie Tubbs Jones personally, we have seen her on numerous occasions on C-Span speaking on the floor of Congress, ably representing her constituents and by extension her city and her country. We offer our deep felt condolences to her family and to the people of Cleveland proper.
Joe & Betty Rubino
Cleveland College '69, & Grad studies '73.

The city of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University have lost a true friend. Stephanie always lit up the room with her bright smile and quick wit. We will miss her.

Years ago, shortly after I became a trustee of the Cleveland Legal Aide Society, the Society put on a dinner in a large hall. The trustees were seated at a long table at the head of room. It turned out that the person seated next to me was Stephanie Tubbs Jones, whom I had not met. As I took my place, she greeted me with a warm and broad smile and said "What's happenin', man?" I was a middle aged, white young partner at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey - and this greeting blew me away. I thought she was terrific. Over the years, we became good friends. I supported her throughout her long and distinguished career of remarkable achievement and public service.

Years pass. Stephanie was then the Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County, and the County was in trouble because of the discovery of a great shortfall in certain investments the County had made. On behalf of my firm, I, with many others, went down to the County Administration building Saturday or Sunday morning on a Monday holiday weekend to assess the situation before the next trading day. Stephanie met me with her son Mervyn along. She introduced me to young Mervyn with such love and pride. She had just bought him some new basketball shoes and told me what she had paid for them - more than she had spent on the clothing she wore to work. But she thought for Mervyn, it was worth it. By talking with Mervyn, I knew it was worth it.

Over the years we met and talked and laughed together many times. She was a torch that burned brightly in the darkest of times. We need more Stephanies in this world. We will miss her and never forget the explosion of life she brought to us all, white and black, young and old, rich and poor. We know she will rest in peace. James A. Smith, Adelbert 1952, Columbia Law School 1961.

Thank you for creating an opportunity for the broader Case community to express our grief over the sudden loss of a true champion of so many causes that affected so many people. Although I did not know Stephanie Tubbs Jones personally, I had many occasions to hear her speak on campus, at community events and neighborhood festivals, at alumni and student functions, among others. Often riveting and insightful, she spoke with purpose, conviction, and a tinge of humor. Her smile and her laugh were genuine and infectious.

I am most saddened that a woman who achieved so many firsts on a local, state, and national level is not here to witness another first: the nomination of an African American man for president of the United States by a major political party. Even so, her influential role as a member of Congress played a significant part in this milestone moment in our nation's history.

She was a remarkable public servant. Tough, outspoken, no-nonsense, assertive, affable, witty. She has made me proud to be a lifelong Clevelander and proud to be a woman of color. May her legacy of speaking truth to power, social justice, economic equality, and inclusiveness prevail. To those who knew her best and loved her most, I wish you peace.

Before I became her Soror and she became mine...Soror Tubbs-Jones spoke at our OMA Cultural Dinner and I remember telling her how I didnt think I was gonna be able to pay for school and how the work seemed so difficult. She gave a speech that was inspiring enough for anyone to stay in college. After the dinner we had a peronal discussion and she stressed how important it is to stay focused in life regardless of the circumstances that you are facing. She was very positive and loving. She didnt even know me, but she embraced me as if I were one of her own. Thats was in 2003 and in 2007 I graduated from CWRU with my degree in Psychology. I can attribute a part of my success to her. Ill never forget that interaction. In 2006 I joined the same sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. of which she has been a member for over 25 years. A well seasoned individual I must say. I am honored to have known her and proud of the service she has given our organization, especially my chapter Theta Eta at CWRU, our city, state, and country. She will be dearly missed. I love you SOROR!

Over the years, I had the opportunity to see Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones speak on several occasions at Case Western Reserve University. Each time, I was impressed with her passion, energy, and total commitment to her country, constituency, and alma mater. Her speeches encouraged me and inspired me in so many ways.

I was thrilled, then, when I recently found myself on a flight from Washington, D.C. back to Cleveland with the Congresswoman. I am very glad now that I took the opportunity to thank her for her outstanding leadership and efforts. She was gracious and kind to me and I will never forget her.

My deep condolences to her son and her family.

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Congresswomen Stephanie Tubbs was a great women. She spent her life helping others and is an inspiration to minorities. I was impressed with her Atlanta appearance several years ago. She will be missed.

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