Former U.S. Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson, who was the first Black woman elected to a seat in the Dallas legislature and to serve in Congress has died, Politico reports. She was 88.

Johnson’s son, Kirk Johnson, confirmed his mother’s passing in a Facebook post on Sunday (Dec. 31).

"I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away," his post read."She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy."

In a post on Sunday on X (formerly Twitter), Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson (no relation) shared his condolences and lauded Johnson for her indelible impact on the Texas political landscape.

“I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,” Johnson wrote Sunday morning. “Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American.”

Born in Waco on Dec. 3, 1935, Johnson first entered the medical field as a nurse after earning a nursing certificate from St. Mary’s College at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She also graduated with a bachelor's of science from Texas Christian University in 1967 and earned a master’s of public administration from Southern Methodist University in 1976.

After taking a position at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas, she became the chief psychiatric nurse and psychotherapist and was the first Black female chief psychiatric nurse at the hospital.

During her time at the VA, she was inspired to seek political office because of the racism she encountered and the racism Black veterans experienced.

"I had never witnessed the kind of extreme separatism,” she added. “In Waco, they had 'Colored' and 'White' signs all over, and there was a history of lynchings. But, in Dallas, the overt racism immediately became clear.”

In 1972, Johnson became the first Black woman to represent Dallas in a landslide victory. She also was the first nurse to be elected to the Texas House and the Texas Senate in 1986. As a trailblazing Democratic leader, Johnson focused on affordable housing, access to health care, education, racial equality, economic development, and job expansion. 

Elected in 1992, Johnson became the first registered nurse elected to Congress and was named the dean of Texas's congressional delegation. 

While in Congress, she voted against authorizing President George W. Bush to use armed forces in Iraq and was the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2001- 2003. 

In March 2022, Johnson became the oldest member of the House of Representatives before retiring at the end of the 117th Congress.

For all of her legislative accomplishments in her storied political career, Johnson received an official portrait on Capitol Hill after being named the first African American, and woman, to serve as Chair of the House Science, Safety, and Technology Committee.

In 2019, the city of Dallas paid tribute to Johnson by renaming Union Station downtown as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station.

Gary A. Slagel, Chair of the Board of Directors of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, issued a statement paying tribute to Johnson.

"I send my condolences to her family," said DART Board of Directors Chair Gary A. Slagel on Sunday. "Congresswoman Johnson was an invaluable advocate for and partner to DART since her time as a Texas State Representative in 1972. We will be forever grateful for her service to our community and DART."