Jo Ann Davis Passing Mourned by President Bush

First elected to Congress in November of 2000, Jo Ann Davis brought to Washington a fresh perspective from outside the political Washington D.C. beltway.

Photo of Jo Ann Davis courtesy: joanndavis.house.gov

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis died at her Gloucester home this morning after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 57. Davis was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a re-occurrence earlier this year.

Davis had been receiving breast cancer treatment at Duke University and just recently had received positive reports on her condition. However, during the last week Davis’ health took a turn for the worse.

Details of the funeral services will be forthcoming.

President and Mrs. Bush say they are deeply saddened by the death of Jo Ann Davis. President Bush made this statement.

"Laura and I are deeply saddened that Representative Jo Ann Davis lost her courageous battle with breast cancer today. Her determination to fight the disease is an inspiration to all of us."

Bush says that over the course of her four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was an effective advocate for the people of her district and a strong supporter of our men and women in uniform.

"She was a fine example of a public servant who worked hard to cut government waste to ensure the people's money was used wisely. Her common sense values will be missed on Capitol Hill."

"Laura and I send our thoughts and prayers to her husband, Chuck, their two sons, and the rest of the Davis family during this difficult time. "

First elected to Congress in November of 2000, Jo Ann Davis brought to Washington a fresh perspective from outside the political Washington D.C. beltway.

She was the first elected female Republican to the United States House of Representatives from the Commonwealth. Jo Ann said she was deeply in touch with the constituents of "America’s First District."

Concentrating on a district first approach to her role in Congress, Jo Ann’s emphasis was on local issues before D.C. politics, she said. This principle remained the bedrock of the Congresswoman’s convictions and played an integral role in her service to her community.