SAN ANTONIO – Former state Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon will be honored Thursday morning.

McClendon died at 74 last week after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. For many, the East Side resident will be remembered as an influential elected official.

Numerous family members, friends and public officials will gather to remember the legacy of the public servant.

"They say you mourn at a funeral, but you also celebrate. I want us to celebrate the life of our beloved Ruth Jones McClendon," said Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins.

McClendon served on the San Antonio council from 1993 to 1996. Then she shifted her political career to the Texas House of Representatives, House District 120. She was a representative until her retirement in 2016.

Wednesday night people packed the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church to attend her rosary. Some say, it was her strength of faith that carried her above the rest.

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“When she came to San Antonio this is where she came. She’s been attending ever since,” said Holy Redeemer Catholic Father Kevin Fausz She’s been an active member of the Lady’s Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Lady of Grace and also served as a lector for a time here at the parish. ”

The funeral service in San Antonio begins at 10 a.m. Then in Austin Thursday afternoon, a graveside service will take place at the Texas State Cemetery at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Jones McClendon’s family has asked that donations be made to the Ruth Jones McClendon Scholarship Fund at St. Philip’s College. Donations can be mailed to St. Philip’s College, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive, c/o Institutional Advancement, San Antonio 78203. Indicate that the donation is for the Ruth Jones McClendon Scholarship Fund.

John Salazar is LIVE from Holy Redeemer Catholic Church previewing the funeral.