It’s been almost two decades since Jessie Branson served in the Kansas House of Representatives, but the impact of her 10 years in the Legislature continue to be felt in Lawrence and across the state.

Branson, who died Saturday at age 88, was a lifelong champion for people who might not be able to stand up for themselves. She helped found the Douglas County Association for Retarded Citizens (now the ARC of Douglas County) for people like her son who had mental disabilities. She helped found Kansans for the Improvement of Nursing Homes (now Kansas Advocates for Better Care) to stand up for the elderly and others who had to depend on nursing home care.

She helped organize Warm Hearts, a group that still exists, to collect money to help those who couldn’t afford to pay winter heating bills. After she became a state legislator, she focused on dozens of social issues but was particularly known for her tenacious battle for laws requiring child safety seats to protect infants and young children riding in motor vehicles.

From the time she and her husband, Dr. Vernon Branson, moved to Lawrence in 1955 until failing health slowed her activities in recent years, Branson was involved in dozens of local efforts to help children, the elderly and those who faced health challenges. Literally thousands, if not tens of thousands, of Kansans were — and continue to be — touched by her efforts.

One of her daughters described Jessie as a “fierce woman” when called upon to defend or serve those in emotional or physical need. Some fellow legislators could be impatient with her relentless pursuit of certain goals, such as the child safety seat law, but her tenacity paid off both for disadvantaged Kansans as well as her Lawrence constituents.

Jessie Branson was a shining example for any volunteer who wants to make a difference in his or her community. Branson genuinely worried about people who needed help, but rather than just wring her hands, she channeled that energy into action. One person truly can change things for the better.

It’s been a while since Jessie was out moving and shaking in Lawrence, but the difference she made here and across the state will be a lasting legacy.