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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING SHEILA JACKSON: A HUMBLE SERVANT LEADER
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson was born and raised on Chicago’s Southside. Sheila attended high school at Hyde Park High School, where she was a standout math student. After a standout career at Hyde Park High School Sheila attended Texas Southern University and graduated with a degree in accounting; and
WHEREAS, several leading Texas home developers hired Sheila Jackson as a lead accountant after her graduation from Texas Southern University. Sheila was often the only Black executive in the building; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson left a major impact when she moved back to her native Chicago. Sheila was a master at politics and became a community organizer when Harold Washington expressed interest in becoming Chicago’s first Black mayor. After Mayor Washington became the first Black mayor of Chicago, Mayor Washington named Sheila as the Financial Officer Over Grants in his administration; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson had her Chicago snow boots on the ground to serve Black political leaders, helping them in their various political campaigns for nearly 40 years. Congressman (then Alderman) Bobby Rush and Cook County Commissioner (and R&B Legend) Jerry Butler noticed and relied on Sheila’s quiet, but highly effective service; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson volunteered and supported her community in many ways. Sheila volunteered on the Southside educating and registering numerous new voters. In addition, Sheila’s large heart and never-ending passion led her to make forever homes for many rescue animals. Sheila also displayed an impressive level of servant leadership at her church, Hartzell Church. When Sheila lost her mother, she displayed an unbelievable amount of strength and made sure that she was always there for her younger sister; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson bravely fought and survived lung cancer for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Jackson will be greatly missed by not only her own family, but the City of Chicago and Cook County will miss Sheila immensely. Sheila’s servant leadership left a huge impact on so many and will be felt for years to come. Sheila loved Chicago, and Chicago loved her back; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the
3rd DISTRICT do hereby stand, and salute the life changing work of Sheila Jackson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED a suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to the family of; and Sheila Jackson.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: a copy of this Resolution will be filed within the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd District
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