GLOUCESTER, Va., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-Va., died Saturday of breast cancer.
Davis’s office announced on her Web site that she passed away at her home in Gloucester, Va. The 57-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and suffered a recurrence earlier this year.
Davis was elected to Congress from Virginia’s First District in 2000, becoming the first Republican woman to represent the state. She served on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
Before running for Congress, Davis was a real estate agent. She founded Davis Management Co. in 1988 and Davis Realty in 1990.
Davis is survived by her husband, Chuck, their sons and a granddaughter.
President Bush called Davis "a fine example of a public servant who worked hard to cut government waste." Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine praised her courage after she was diagnosed with cancer and said that she made history with her election to Congress.
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said that he and Davis were brought together by their mutual love of equestrian sports.
"I always admired Congresswoman Davis' strong convictions and the tenacity that she brought to bear in acting on them," he said..
