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JAMESTOWN – The daughter of late Jamestown City Councilwoman Victoria James called her mom a “local legend” while reflecting of her mother’s legacy on Monday afternoon.
Qiana James spoke with WNY News Now in a tearful interview, saying her mother fought hard every day to help those not just living in her council ward, but all across the area.
“I think this whole city, just not her district, owes her a lot,” said Qiana James. “She was a foot solider; she definitely paved the way for a lot of us, she definitely set us up for success.”
The Councilwoman’s daughter says she would like to see a group or community center founded in honor of her mother, to help keep her legacy alive.
“She just helped so many of the kids that didn’t have that help at home, or if they weren’t even comfortable going home, they always knew that my mom would be there for them, and did not judge.” explained Qiana James. “She was definitely going to be there and do whatever, even if she didn’t have it, she was going to find it, a way to help that person out.”
Councilwoman James spent more than a decade serving the residents of Jamestown in both city and county government.
Her death was very sudden and shocking to many, but most of all to her family who just last week lost their grandmother as well.
“I just think my mom was hurt; it’s hard losing your mother, she was the older child having to handle things in her personal life, honestly, I think my mom’s heart was broke,” said Qiana James. “I feel like it was very sudden, she wasn’t in any pain, she didn’t suffer, and she has a relationship with God, so I know she is good.”
James’ daughter says the councilwoman passed away peacefully following what is believed to be a heart attack on Saturday night.
The family is continuing to work on funeral plans and expects to release more information in the coming days.
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