In 2013, the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL-Women) lost one of its most influential and inspirational leaders, Representative Lois DeBerry of Memphis, Tennessee to an on-going battle with pancreatic cancer.

Representative Lois DeBerry diligently served Tennessee’s 91st District for more than 40 years. DeBerry was elected as the first African American female to serve in the State Legislature from the city of Memphis in 1972 and began service in the legislature in 1973, making her the second African American woman in the history of the Tennessee to serve in its State Legislature.

DeBerry was co-founder and former National Vice President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

“Lois was a great asset to TSEA and was a member for decades. She will be sadly missed by state employees. She was a fearless leader with great respect on the hill,” said Bryan Merritt, chairman of the TSEA PAC, the Tennessee Employees Action Movement.

“A servant to her community, she championed programs in health, education, and the criminal justice system, especially those impacting women and children.” The Memphis Challenge, Inc.

“Tennessee and the entire nation have lost a courageous leader,” State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, D-Phila., chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) said. “DeBerry was an independent thinker who forged bipartisan compromises on a regular basis and she dedicated her life to putting Tennesseans and all Americans ahead of her party or herself.”