(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough has died at the age of 73 after she was hospitalized last week with what was described as a serious medical condition, her office confirmed to WBBM.
Yarbrough was a public servant in Illinois dating back to 2001.
The clerk was described by Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch as a “trailblazer.” When Yarbrough was first elected to serve as Cook County Clerk in 2018, she became the first woman and the first Black person to do so.
As the Cook County clerk, Yarbrough was tasked with supervising the county's elections and handling vital records for its residents.
She also served as an Illinois state representative from 2001 until 2012, where she successfully championed legislation to ban the death penalty in Illinois.
Illinois Congresswoman Dr. Robin Kelly wrote that she will “never forget the times we had on the best State Rep. row in Springfield.
“She was a force and a fierce fighter,” Kelly wrote. “I will miss her.”
In a statement, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described Yarbrough as "both a pioneer and a tireless legislator, committed to social and economic justice throughout decades of public service."
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi said Yarbrough inspired others through her public service work and he commended her efforts to help veterans across Illinois.
Said Welch: “I was lucky enough to see her generosity, kindness and the way she fiercely loved her family and friends, too. Our entire community mourns this loss, Karen will be deeply missed, but I know her spirit will always remain a guiding force.”
Yarbrough's office requested privacy for her family and asked for prayers during this difficult time.
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