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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS. ELIZABETH BRASHER
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Elinor Morton Brasher was born on September 9, 1956 in Evanston, Illinois. She was the only child born to the late James Thomas Morton Jr. and Constance Lorraine Hairston Morton, longtime mayor of the city of Evanston; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Evanston Township High School, she attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia for one year, before returning to complete her undergraduate studies at National College of Education (now National-Louis University) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services; and
WHEREAS Elizabeth married her longtime high school friend Robert Lee Brasher. They had two daughters: Elizabeth Keziah and Constance Mariah. Although they divorced, Elizabeth and Robert remained close friends until his death in April 2000; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth spent most of her career in higher education administration. She worked at Northwestern University for just under 30 years in the Institute for Learning Sciences and as Assistant Director of the Infrastructure Technology Institute (ITI). In these positions Elizabeth managed a multitude of areas including budgets and grants management, human resources, building management, and event planning. She cherished her time in the ITI department and became great friends with her former supervisor and mentor, the late Dave Shultz. At the time of her passing Elizabeth was a member of Northwestern’s Office of Equity. As Program Administrator she worked diligently to support the university’s mission of fostering an environment in which all members of the community were free from discrimination and harassment. It was immensely important to her that she be a leader in these efforts and provide compassion and guidance to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth was a deep-rooted and active member in the Evanston community. She served as a member of many community boards and organizations. These include serving as President of First Night Evanston, Incorporated (2006-2008), President of the Mental Health America of the North Shore (2008-2010), and a member of the Board of Directors of Evanston’s YWCA/North Shore (2010-2018) where she served as Chairperson for the Racial Justice Committee. In addition, Elizabeth was an Advisory Board Member of the Forrest E. Powell Foundation and the Shorefront Legacy Center. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, since 1977; and
WHEREAS, her proudest contribution was serving as campaign chairman for her mother’s fourth and final run for mayor of Evanston in 2005. Both Elizabeth and Lorraine expressed great joy at working together and it was a successful partnership. Mayor Morton easily won the election, receiving an astounding 73% of the vote; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth’s parents instilled in her the importance and sanctity of family, the value of education, and the responsibility of service to others and community. She worked tirelessly to uphold and instill these same values in her children. She is remembered by her family and friends as kind, generous, and a pillar of strength, sharing her mother’s traits of an infectious laugh and magnetic smile. Friends and colleagues also regarded her as a sounding board for advice and guidance, always offering a helping hand or hug whenever needed. Most especially, Elizabeth became a “second mama” to many of her daughters’ friends, welcoming them into her home whenever they needed a good meal, a good talk, or even a good party; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth’s legacy is forever rooted in her service to family, community, and friendship. She is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth Keziah Brasher of Atlanta, GA and Constance Mariah Brasher of Niles, IL. She is also survived by first cousins Lois Pace Hairston Turner of Winston-Salem, NC; Vera Stepp (Henry Edward Stepp) of Winston-Salem, NC; Denise Burger of Wasilla, AK; Marion Elizabeth Winfrey of Boston, MA; Tom Baric of Plano, TX; Sol William Winfrey of Freehold, NJ; and Johnny Winfrey of Freehold, NJ; many other second and third cousins; and a host of close friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the life of ELIZABETH ELINOR MORTON BRASHER, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the years of service she gave to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of ELIZABETH ELINOR MORTON BRASHER.
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