INDIANAPOLIS -- Hundreds of mourners, including Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, gathered for the funeral of U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, with speakers praising her as someone who fought tirelessly for the poor.

The 2,200-seat Eastern Star Church is filled to near capacity as speakers recall the life of the six-term Democratic congresswoman, who died of cancer Dec. 15 at age 69.

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Images: Rep. Julia Carson's Memorial, Funeral

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Andrew Jacobs Jr., whom Carson succeeded in Congress, called her "a blazing talent" who rose from poverty and accomplished much in her political career. Carson's first chief of staff, Fran Quigley, read messages from Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and President George W. Bush.

Dozens of dignitaries are on hand, including Farrakhan, Gov. Mitch Daniels, Sen. Richard Lugar and former Sen. Birch Bayh. Carson will be buried at Indianapolis' Crown Hill Cemetery.

Political friends and foes stepped to the microphone during the service to deliver short messages about Carson. No matter the political persuasion, all had reverence for the congresswoman, shared warm thoughts and remembered her as a tough-minded woman of faith.

Leaders from across the nation and all over the state also joined the common people to whom Carson dedicated her public service career in honoring the congresswoman from Indianapolis in a "Celebration of Life" on Friday.

Friday was a day of mourning but also a day of celebration as dignitaries and constituents joined together in support of Carson.

Carson's body lay in repose at the Indiana Statehouse days after she lost a battle with lung cancer at age 69.

At a special service Friday night, dozens of people shared their personal stories about the congresswoman in a moving tribute, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.

Those who respected Carson ranged from the most prominent to the "little people," at least partially because of the dramatic rise to power she attained from humble beginnings.

Born into poverty and a single mother in her 20s, Carson's tenacity shone through as she moved up the ranks of political power.

"We are not responsible for being down. We are responsible for getting up," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson. "(We are) not responsible for being behind, but for running faster. She got up and ran faster."

Carson became the first woman and first black to represent Indiana in Congress. She was pulled away from what might have been a quiet, private life when she began working for Rep. Andrew Jacobs in the 1970s.

Jacobs remembered what President Bill Clinton once said of Carson.

"Julia Carson will enter a room. Nobody will necessarily notice her, but when she leaves, she will have everything she came for," Jacobs said.

Carson was known for her frank, tough talk, colorful style and quick wit.

For some, she was never prim or polished enough. For those who knew and respected her, Carson was more than enough.

Carson is the ninth person to be given the honor of lying in repose at the Indiana Statehouse.