Stephanie Tubbs Jones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Chair of the House Ethics Committee
In office January 3, 2007 – August 20, 2008
Preceded by	Doc Hastings
Succeeded by	Gene Green (Acting)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 11th district
In office January 3, 1999 – August 20, 2008
Preceded by	Louis Stokes
Succeeded by	Marcia Fudge
Personal details
Born	Stephanie Tubbs (1949-09-10)September 10, 1949 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died	August 20, 2008(2008-08-20) (aged 58) East Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mervyn Jones ​ ​ (m. 1976; died 2003)​
Children	1
Education	Case Western Reserve University (BA, JD)

Stephanie Tubbs Jones (September 10, 1949 – August 20, 2008) was an American politician. She served as a U.S. Representative for Ohio's 11th congressional district from 1999 until her death in 2008. She was a member of the Democratic Party.

Her district included parts of Cleveland and many eastern suburbs in Cuyahoga County. These areas included Euclid, Cleveland Heights, and Shaker Heights. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the first African American woman from Ohio to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

In 2006, she became the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. This committee helps make sure members of Congress follow rules. She was also part of the House Ways and Means Committee. Stephanie Tubbs Jones passed away on August 20, 2008, after suffering a serious medical event.

Early Life and Education

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother, Mary, worked in a factory and as a cook. Her father, Andrew Tubbs, was an airline skycap. She went to Collinwood High School in Cleveland.

She later attended Case Western Reserve University. In 1971, she earned a degree in Social Work. She continued her studies and received a law degree (called a Juris Doctor) from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1974.

On November 27, 1976, she married Mervyn L. Jones. They were married for 27 years until Mervyn passed away in 2003. They had one son, Mervyn Leroy Jones Jr. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a sorority that focuses on community service and social action. She was also a Golden Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Political Career in Ohio

Stephanie Tubbs Jones had a long career in law and politics in Ohio. In 1981, she was elected as a judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court. Later, from 1983 to 1991, she served as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Cuyahoga County.

In 1990, she ran for a position on the Supreme Court of Ohio. She narrowly lost that election.

From 1991 to 1999, she served as the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. This made her the first African American prosecutor in Ohio's history. During her time, she was the only black woman serving as a prosecutor in any major American city.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Stephanie Tubbs Jones (left) with fellow U.S. Representatives Laura Richardson (center) and Yvette Clarke (right).

In 1998, Stephanie Tubbs Jones decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. The person who held the seat for 30 years, Louis Stokes, was retiring. She won the Democratic nomination, which almost guaranteed her election in her district. This district was known for having many Democratic voters. She won with 80 percent of the votes and was reelected four more times.

She was a co-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. She voted against the use of military force in Iraq in 2002. She also supported free trade agreements, like the one with Peru in 2007.

In 2004, she led the platform committee at the Democratic National Convention. She strongly supported John Kerry for president. In 2005, she and Senator Barbara Boxer objected to the election results for Ohio.

Marc Katz (left), President of the North American Interfraternity Conference, presents Tubbs Jones with the NIC Silver Medal.

She was one of 31 House members who voted not to count Ohio's 20 electoral votes in the 2004 election.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose Stephanie Tubbs Jones to lead the House Ethics Committee. This committee helps ensure that members of the House follow ethical rules. She was very popular in her district and was reelected easily. In her last election in 2006, she received 83.44% of the votes.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones appeared on The Colbert Report in 2005. She became a good friend of the show. Stephen Colbert honored her after her passing by showing her "Judge Tubbs" footage.

She was an early supporter of Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. After Clinton ended her campaign, Tubbs Jones supported Barack Obama.

Passing Away

On August 19, 2008, Stephanie Tubbs Jones experienced a serious medical emergency while driving. Her car left the road and stopped in a field. She was found unconscious and taken to Huron Hospital. She was placed on life support due to her critical condition.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones passed away on August 20, 2008. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland ordered a special election to choose someone to finish her term. Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge won this election.

Electoral History

See also

• List of United States representatives from Ohio
• List of African-American United States representatives
• Women in the United States House of Representatives
• List of United States Congress members who died in office