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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA DEER
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer, a beloved daughter of North Lawndale, Chicago, Illinois, lived a life defined by service, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting her community; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was a highly accomplished and licensed Speech Language Pathologist, earning her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Jackson State University and her Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and further distinguished by her Illinois licensure and certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer devoted decades of her professional life to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and language disorders, profoundly impacting the lives of countless children and families, and further demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen as the President and owner of a private speech pathology practice; and
WHEREAS, her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership was exemplified through her completion of a business entrepreneurship program at Joseph Business School, reinforcing her capacity to lead with both compassion and strategic foresight; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer served with distinction as the Executive Director of Juneteenth Illinois, a statewide collaborative initiative uniting governmental entities, community-based organizations, civic institutions, and cultural leaders to commemorate, educate, and elevate the historical and contemporary significance of Juneteenth; and
WHEREAS, through Barbara Deer’s leadership, Juneteenth Illinois became a central repository and unifying platform for commemorations across the State of Illinois, amplifying the resilience, heritage, and collective voice of Black communities while fostering education and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, her work aligned with the historic legislative efforts led by her husband, the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, including the successful passage of ordinance amendment #20-3460 in 2020, establishing Juneteenth as an official Cook County holiday, a measure contributing to Juneteenth’s eventual recognition as both a State of Illinois and federal holiday in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was also a steadfast advocate for public health equity, supporting and advancing the vision of the “Food is Medicine” initiative, formalized through Cook County Resolution #23-5456, which recognized nutrition as a fundamental determinant of health and sought to address food insecurity and chronic disease disparities throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the “Food is Medicine” initiative advanced a comprehensive and equity-centered framework, including public awareness campaigns, expanded nutrition programming within Cook County Health, strategic partnerships to provide fresh produce, and innovative educational tools designed to empower residents with the knowledge and resources necessary for healthier living; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer’s advocacy reflected a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of health, equity, and access, particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer’s civic engagement extended across numerous organizations, including her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she served on the Social Justice Committee, including as Co-Chair, as well as her volunteerism with Friends of Dennis Deer, the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council’s Arts and Culture Committee, and Top Ladies of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was also an accomplished author and creative voice, contributing “The Core Keys to Building a Home” to the 2018 publication Voices of Lawndale, and further expressing her creativity through writing, sewing, and community-centered storytelling; and
WHEREAS, above all, Barbara Deer was a devoted wife, having married her high school sweetheart, the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, and a loving mother to their three children, whose lives were enriched by her guidance, compassion, and steadfast presence; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Deer’s life was emblematic of generosity, resilience, and purposeful service, as she dedicated herself to uplifting others through education, advocacy, and community engagement, leaving an indelible imprint on the West Side of Chicago and beyond; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2026, Barbara Deer tragically passed away, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and transformative impact to continue inspiring generations to come;
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, MICHAEL SCOTT, JR., COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 2nd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
BE IT RESOLVED, we honor the life, service, and enduring legacy of Barbara Deer, whose contributions to public health, education, civic engagement, and cultural preservation have profoundly enriched Cook County and the State of Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners expresses its deepest condolences to the Deer family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her extraordinary spirit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Barbara Deer’s unwavering commitment to equity, community empowerment, and compassionate service shall remain a guiding light and enduring inspiration for the residents of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the family of Barbara Deer as a symbol of our profound respect, admiration, and heartfelt sympathy.
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