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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE COOK COUNTY CLERK KAREN A. YARBROUGH
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough’s life journey began on August 22, 1950, when her parents, Donald Williams, Sr. and Mercedes Moore welcomed her into the world; and
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend and mentor to many. She lived her life with a passion for helping others and exemplified what it means to be a public servant. She was a true trailblazer who inspired a generation of young women and men to follow her example of putting service before self; and
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough earned her B.A. in Business Management from Chicago State University, a Master’s Degree in inner-city studies from Northeastern Illinois University, attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government’s Advanced Leadership Studies, a Certificate of Public Leadership from Pepperdine University and a certificate as a Certified Election Registration Administrator from Auburn University; and
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough served as an Illinois State Representative, Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and Cook County Clerk. In these roles, she always stood up for what was right, even when it was unpopular to do so. She never backed down from tough battles, and was proud to serve as a voice for the voiceless, the poor and those needing a second chance in life; and
WHEREAS, As a State Representative, Karen A. Yarbrough was a force to be reckoned with. She was able to overcome the influence of special interests to ban smoking indoors in public buildings, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to abolish the death penalty in Illinois. Her tireless work ethic and effectiveness in the Capitol earned her an appointment as Assistant House Majority Leader; and
WHEREAS, As Cook County Recorder of Deeds, Recorder Yarbrough took a position that was historically thought of as ministerial, and turned it into one of advocacy. As Recorder, she established a Property Fraud Unit that served to protect Cook County residents from having their properties stolen from fraudsters, opened an office dedicated to improving the lives of our Veterans, and created the Property After Death workshops that went into communities and informed residents of the importance of sound estate planning; and
WHEREAS, As Cook County Clerk, Clerk Yarbrough overcame a number of unprecedented challenges that required creativity, determination and a steady hand. She administered an election through a global pandemic and oversaw the assumption of duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk. She also partnered with the Center for Disability and Elder Law to help families hold onto their homes; and
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough was a force in the Democratic Party serving as the Proviso Township Democratic Committeeperson, Vice Chair and Interim Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois and State Central Committeewoman for the 7th Congressional District of Illinois. In these roles, she helped a countless number of candidates win election to public office in the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Karen A. Yarbrough was a dedicated member of Grace Central Church, served as the President of the Maywood-Proviso Rotary Club, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY: the President and its members do hereby hold their reverence in honor of the historic life of the Honorable Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough, as they offer their deepest condolences to her friends, family, and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of the Honorable Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough as an expression of appreciation for her life and work. She was an inspiration to us all.
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