RUFUS – Former Representative Tamera Lawson has died after a long battle with Cancer according to her family. She was 77 at the time of her death and was surrounded by family when she died. She is remembered for her long career in Congress, working to ensure families had access to affordable healthcare, and working with social programs to ensure food was on all struggling family tables.

Her death was announced by her family on her personal X account, and the family requested privacy as the mourn. They said that she was comfortable when she passed away and say she was the best “mom, sister and grandma ever.” They family says they are ‘devastated’ and ‘crushed’ by her passing.

President Laylin ordered flags at half-staff until the day of her internment and also ordered a moment of silence at the Nationalist House following the announcement of her death. Flags will remain at half-staff until she is interred.

“Tamera was a wonderful friend, politician, but most importantly she was an incredible mom, grandmother and sister,” said President Laylin. “Her devotion to taking care of Jesstopians, and the families that make up are great country were never unwavering. May she rest in eternal peace and may the healing hands of god be over her family on this extremely sad day.”

The family has not announced any funeral plans and say she would have wanted a private ceremony and asked for privacy. Due to her tenure as a Representative in the House, she is entitled to a laying in state, and it is unclear if the family will authorize her body to lay in the Capitol.