Lois Deberry (D), the longest-serving member of the Tennessee house of representatives, died in August from pancreatic cancer.

• Position: PEOPLE & POLITICS - Brief article - Obituary

LOIS DEBERRY (D), THE LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER OF THE TENNESSEE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, died in August from pancreatic cancer. She was 68. DeBerry was a respected trailblazer who focused on the tough issues, "dating others to join her and, by her words, could inspire people to get involved," said Senator Lowe Finney (D). DeBerry was first elected in 1972. She was the first African-American woman to serve as speaker pro tem, a position she held for 20 years. "Lois quickly became one...