30 minutes before the doors of Bethany Baptist Church opened its doors to the public, a column of people stretched somberly from the corner of Hampden and East 105th streets, nearly 200 yards down the block.
The line would grow during the day, people like Francis Johnson willingly giving whatever time it took - to say goodbye.
FRANCIS JOHNSON: "She's done so much for our community… She's been an inspiration for women everywhere, Black and White, and I just wanted to be a part of this."
Mourners represented all parts of the 11th District - retired workers and downtown bankers... mothers with children in tow, and public officials. Many people said they keenly, and personally, felt the unexpected loss.
PARKER: "She touched a lot of people in this city, and I think she will be one of the historic African Americans in this city."
BETTY CROSS: "She was a lady of service and she kept her word - and to me that speaks loudly, and that's why I'm here."
LEE WEBB: "She's been like a sister to me, a sister I never had."
Public viewing at Bethany Baptist continues this evening.
A memorial for Tubbs Jones will be held at Cleveland's Public Hall tomorrow.
