Va. Rep. Jo Ann Davis Dies After Bout With Breast Cancer
Virginia GOP Rep. Jo Ann Davis died Saturday morning after a two-year battle with breast cancer, according to a statement released by her office. She was 57. Davis, who has represented the 1st district in the southeastern part of the state since 2000, passed away at her home in Gloucester. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a recurrence of the disease 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,” read the statement. “Jo Ann Davis was an inspiration to all of us fortunate enough to serve with her, and we are all deeply saddened by the news of her passing,” House GOP Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (Fla.) said in a statement, later adding that Davis’ colleagues would “honor her memory and pay tribute to her strength by renewing our commitment to building breast cancer awareness and hope for future generations.” Davis is the fifth lawmaker to pass away in the 110th Congress, following the deaths of Reps. Paul Gillmor (R-Ohio), Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) and Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) and Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.). Davis’ office had not released details for her funeral as of Saturday afternoon. — Ben Pershing