Rep. Julia Carson (D-Ind.) greets supporters at her house shortly after the polls closed in Indianapolis, in this Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, photo. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)

by Matthew Hay Brown

Rep. Julia Carson, the Indiana congresswoman who announced last month that she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, died today. She was 69.

Born to a single mother who worked as a housekeeper, Carson served 18 years in the Indiana legislature before her election to Congress in 1996.

“Julia Carson overcame much and accomplished much, and devoted her life to helping other people do the same,” Sen. Evan Bayh said in a statement.

“During her time in the House, she was a powerful advocate for the people of Indianapolis, and for all working families throughout our great nation,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “In recent months, Julia Carson faced illness with her characteristic courage and dignity, and in our sadness, we are reassured to know she is now at peace.”

The first African-American and the first woman elected to represent Indianapolis, the Democratic Carson was an outspoken critic of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She led the drive to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks in 1999.

“It was a fitting cause for her, as Julia Carson and Rosa Parks shared a quiet determination, a fierce sense of purpose, and a total commitment to the ideal equality, which is our nation’s heritage and hope,” Pelosi said.

“Congresswoman Carson was a humble and passionate advocate for those she served in the city of Indianapolis and for all those struggling for equality and opportunity,” House Republican Leader John A. Boehner said. “Julia will be dearly missed.”

Rep. Carolyn Kirkpatrick, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called her “the true embodiment of a political warrior.”

“Representative Julia Carson rendered the best of herself to safeguard the American dream and ensure equality for all citizens,” Kirkpatrick said. “In honor of her rich legacy, we will charge ahead and do the business of the people with the spirit and the fight of Congresswoman Julia Carson in our hearts and minds.”

Carson is the fifth member of the House of Representatives to die this year. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will call a special election to fill her seat for the remainder of her term.