Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis Passes Away After Battle With Breast Cancer

Congresswoman Davis' Official Website ^ | 10/7/2007

[dripp]

prayers for her family, it’s a tough road to go down.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I realized there was a 4th actually (excluding Gillmor), since Juanita Millender-McDonald on the rodent side died of cancer back in April.

[darkangel82]

Just one of many tragedies to befall us lately.

[darkangel82]

I forgot about her, but despite her politics, cancer is a horrible way to go.

[paul51]

Too young. Too Bad. Prayers for the family

[csvset]

Rep. Jo Ann Davis dies of breast cancer at 57
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 6, 2007
Last updated: 6:07 PM

Rep. Jo Ann Davis made a point of detailing her illness in public and urged constituents to undergo regular cancer screenings. AP file

Related:
Political leaders react to death of Jo Ann Davis

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis died at her home in Gloucester today after a battle with breast cancer, according to a statement on her official Web site. She was 57.

Davis, R-1st District, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a recurrence earlier this year. She had been receiving treatment at Duke University.

During the last week, her health took a turn for the worse.

Davis announced in October 2005 that a lump in her left breast had been diagnosed as breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy early last year and a pair of operations to remove the breast in July and said later that doctors had assured her she was cancer-free.

She made a point of detailing her illness in public and urged constituents to undergo regular cancer screenings.

Davis was in her fourth House term representing a district that stretches from the Peninsula to the Fredericksburg area.

She was first elected to Congress in 2000, and was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Her first piece of legislation, passed by the House in 2001, increased the life insurance benefit paid to survivors of military members killed on duty.

"Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis made history when she became the first female Republican elected to the House of Representatives from the commonwealth in 2000," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat, said in a statement. "She inspired Virginians as she battled breast cancer while continuing to serve the commonwealth."

Under Virginia law, it is up to Gov. Tim Kaine to call a special election to fill the vacancy. While state legislative elections are scheduled on Nov. 6, it is unlikely that candidates could be nominated and ballots prepared in time to fill the congressional vacancy then. The last Virginia congressman to die in office was U.S. Rep. Norman Sisisky, D-4th District. He died in March 2001 and was replaced in a special election in June by Rep. Randy Forbes, a Republican.

Before Congress, Davis served four years in the Virginia House of Delegates. She was a former real estate broker and a horse enthusiast.

She underwent chemotherapy treatments and a mastectomy when she was first diagnosed in 2005. When her cancer returned, she underwent chemotherapy again and often monitored hearings from home.

A conservative who came from modest means, Davis was known for her unquenchable inquisitiveness and how quickly and deeply she learned about any legislative issue.

Davis attended Hampton Roads Business College and obtained her real estate license in 1984 and her real estate broker's license four years later. In 1990, she opened her own business, Jo Ann Davis Realty.

Her husband, Chuck Davis, was a battalion chief for the Hampton Fire Department. They have two grown sons and a granddaughter.

Details of the funeral were not available this afternoon.

[NormsRevenge]

Heartfelt Condolences and Prayers for the family of Congresswoman Davis.

[Gabz]

Just damn........

R.I.P. Rep. Davis.

[bray]

Prayers for her family’s comfort.

[Flora McDonald]

What a beautiful picture. Prayers up for this dear lady and her family.

[hawkeye101]

I’ve gone to 5 funerals this year of people who have succumbed to cancer under the age of 50. With all of the advances in saving people from countless other ailments in the medical profession, cancer just seems to be getting worse as the years go on.

I frickin’ hate cancer. I am so tired of the senseless loss.

[Live free or die]

This fantastic public servant helped me immeasurably with some VA disability claims that I had. Her office had an almost paternal/maternal devotion to my case. I felt like I actually had people working for/with me.

This is a heartbreaking loss. She will be missed.

[proudmilitarymrs]

Prayers for her family.

mrs

[proudmilitarymrs]

Prayers for you, your wife and the rest of your family.

A very hard road, indeed.

mrs

[BlessedBeGod]

Prayers for her eternal rest, and for the comfort and consolation of her friends and family.