ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A well-known community activist in St. Petersburg has died.
- Theresa Lassiter known to community as "Momma Tee"
- Lassiter attended City Council meetings regularly, ran for Mayor in 2017
- Funeral arrangements still being finalized
Theresa Lassiter, known as "Momma Tee," 62, died on Sunday from cancer.
A consistent advocate for the rights of blacks in the community, Lassiter attended City Council meetings regularly and ran for Mayor in 2017.
"There was nothing that occurred in south St. Petersburg that Theresa Lassiter was not on top of, having some involvement," said NAACP St. Petersburg President Maria Scruggs.
People said Lassiter believed in personal connections and relationships.
"A lot of what was in her was based upon the kind of compassion she had for the poor and the powerless," said Pastor Manuel Sykes, a longtime friend. "You know, that's who she aligned herself with, the people, the grassroots activists."
Scruggs said Lassiter's impact will be felt in the community long after her passing.
"Her signature line was 'I am the community activist' and you'll never have anybody argue about that or disagree. Not only did she wear the crown, but she wore it well and proudly."
Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.