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{{Short description|American politician (1950–2024)}}
{{Short description|American politician (1950–2024)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Karen Yarbrough
| name = Karen Yarbrough
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| birth_place = [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|4|7|1950|8|22}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|4|7|1950|8|22}}
| death_place = [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]], U.S.
| death_place = [[Chicago|Maywood, Illinois]], U.S.
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse = Henderson Yarbrough
| spouse = Henderson Yarbrough
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}}
}}


'''Karen A. Yarbrough'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2016 |title=Karen Yarbrough: Cook County Recorder of Deeds |url=https://news.wttw.com/2016/10/07/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-recorder-deeds-candidate |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[WTTW]]}}</ref> (August 22, 1950 – April 7, 2024) was an American politician who served as the [[Cook County Clerk]] from 2018 until her death in 2024. Yarbrough served as a member of the [[Illinois House of Representatives]] from 2001 to 2013, and as [[Cook County Recorder of Deeds]] from 2012 to 2018. She briefly served as the interim chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]] after long-time chair [[Michael Madigan]] resigned from the position in February 2021.<ref name=Interim>{{Cite news|title=Madigan Resigns as Chair of State Democratic Party|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/madigan-resigns-as-chair-of-state-democratic-party/2444532/|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=February 23, 2021|work=[[WMAQ-TV]]}}</ref> Elected to the office of Cook County Clerk [[2018 Cook County, Illinois elections#Clerk|on November 6, 2018]], she was the first woman and [[African American]] to hold the position.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Karen Yarbrough |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Karen_Yarbrough |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Ballotpedia]]}}</ref> She held the position until her death in April 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-spokesperson-confirms/3403801/|title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies following hospitalization, spokesperson confirms|first=Matt|last=Stefanski|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=April 7, 2024|accessdate=April 7, 2024}}</ref>
'''Karen A. Yarbrough'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2016 |title=Karen Yarbrough: Cook County Recorder of Deeds |url=https://news.wttw.com/2016/10/07/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-recorder-deeds-candidate |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[WTTW]] |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127081029/https://news.wttw.com/2016/10/07/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-recorder-deeds-candidate |url-status=live }}</ref> (August 22, 1950 – April 7, 2024) was an American politician who served as the [[Cook County Clerk]] from 2018 until her death in 2024. Yarbrough served as a member of the [[Illinois House of Representatives]] from 2001 to 2013, and as [[Cook County Recorder of Deeds]] from 2012 to 2018. She briefly served as the interim chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]] after long-time chair [[Michael Madigan]] resigned from the position in February 2021. Elected to the office of Cook County Clerk [[2018 Cook County, Illinois elections#Clerk|on November 6, 2018]], she was the first woman and [[African American]] to hold the position. She held the position until her death in April 2024.


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Yarbrough was born on August 22, 1950, in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Quig |first=A.D. |last2=Long |first2=Ray |last3=Gorner |first3=Jeremy |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/07/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Her family moved to [[Maywood, Illinois]] in the 1960s, and Yarbrough's father, Don Williams Sr., was an insurance agent who later became mayor of the village.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldborough |first=Bob |date=July 20, 2018 |title=Don Williams Sr., Maywood activist and insurance agent who served one term as mayor, dies |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/07/20/don-williams-sr-maywood-activist-and-insurance-agent-who-served-one-term-as-mayor-dies/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref> She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from [[Chicago State University]], a master’s in Inner City Studies from [[Northeastern Illinois University]] and attended nondegree executive education at the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Sean |last2=Smith |first2=Andrew |last3=Wang |first3=Judy |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73 |url=https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[WGN-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
Yarbrough was born on August 22, 1950, in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Quig |first1=A.D. |last2=Long |first2=Ray |last3=Gorner |first3=Jeremy |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/07/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409015219/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/07/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Her family moved to [[Maywood, Illinois]] in the 1960s, and Yarbrough's father, Don Williams Sr., was an insurance agent who later became mayor of the village.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldborough |first=Bob |date=July 20, 2018 |title=Don Williams Sr., Maywood activist and insurance agent who served one term as mayor, dies |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/07/20/don-williams-sr-maywood-activist-and-insurance-agent-who-served-one-term-as-mayor-dies/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409055134/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/07/20/don-williams-sr-maywood-activist-and-insurance-agent-who-served-one-term-as-mayor-dies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from [[Chicago State University]], a master's in Inner City Studies from [[Northeastern Illinois University]] and attended nondegree executive education at the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Sean |last2=Smith |first2=Andrew |last3=Wang |first3=Judy |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73 |url=https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[WGN-TV]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408061053/https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Political career and community involvement==
==Political career and community involvement==
In 1998, Yarbrough unsuccessfully challenged incumbent [[Eugene Moore (Illinois politician)|Eugene Moore]] in the Democratic primary for the 7th district seat in the [[Illinois House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Vote Totals Results |url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx |website=www.elections.il.gov |publisher=Illinois State Board of Elections |access-date=7 November 2020}}</ref>
In 1998, Yarbrough unsuccessfully challenged incumbent [[Eugene Moore (Illinois politician)|Eugene Moore]] in the Democratic primary for the 7th district seat in the [[Illinois House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Vote Totals Results |url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx |website=www.elections.il.gov |publisher=[[Illinois State Board of Elections]] |access-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222093629/https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Yarbrough ran again for the 7th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives again in 2000, this time succeeding, unseating incumbent [[Wanda Sharp]] in the Democratic primary and winning the general election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Downloadable Vote Totals |url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/DownloadVoteTotals.aspx?MID=vvc3ru6lLPI%3d&T=637536467590233857 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Illinois State Board of Elections]]}}</ref> Her term began in January 2001, and she was later appointed an assistant majority leader in 2011 and 2012.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.lib.niu.edu/2001/ip010114.html|title=92nd General Assembly Convenes with Active Schedule|author=Murphy, Peter M.|journal=Illinois Issues|publisher=[[University of Illinois Springfield|Sangamon State University]]|date=February 2001|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mordacq |first=Jessica |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, dies at 73 |url=http://www.forestparkreview.com/2024/04/08/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Forest Park Review]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Yarbrough left the Illinois House of Representatives in 2012 and became [[Cook County Recorder of Deeds]] in December that year.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Beth |last2=Ramos |first2=Andrew |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies after being hospitalized with "serious medical condition" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[CBS Chicago]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Romain |first=Michael |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, Dies At 73 |url=https://www.vfpress.news/articles/death-notices/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=Village Free Press}}</ref>
Yarbrough ran again for the 7th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives again in 2000, this time succeeding, unseating incumbent [[Wanda Sharp]] in the Democratic primary and winning the general election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Downloadable Vote Totals |url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/DownloadVoteTotals.aspx?MID=vvc3ru6lLPI%3d&T=637536467590233857 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Illinois State Board of Elections]]}}</ref> Her term began in January 2001, and she was later appointed an assistant majority leader in 2011 and 2012.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.lib.niu.edu/2001/ip010114.html|title=92nd General Assembly Convenes with Active Schedule|last1=Murphy |first1=Peter M.|journal=Illinois Issues|publisher=[[University of Illinois Springfield|Sangamon State University]]|date=February 2001|access-date=November 23, 2016|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124100853/http://www.lib.niu.edu/2001/ip010114.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mordacq |first=Jessica |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, dies at 73 |url=http://www.forestparkreview.com/2024/04/08/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |newspaper=[[Forest Park Review]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409020226/https://www.forestparkreview.com/2024/04/08/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Yarbrough left the Illinois House of Representatives in 2012 and became [[Cook County Recorder of Deeds]] in December that year.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Lawrence |first1=Beth |last2=Ramos |first2=Andrew |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies after being hospitalized with "serious medical condition" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[CBS Chicago]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411021836/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Romain |first=Michael |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, Dies At 73 |url=https://www.vfpress.news/articles/death-notices/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |newspaper=[[Village Free Pres]]s |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411021824/https://www.vfpress.news/articles/death-notices/karen-yarbrough-cook-county-clerk-dies-at-73/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


On December 3, 2018, Yarbrough ran unopposed and became the [[Cook County Clerk|Clerk of Cook County]], becoming the first woman and African-American to be elected as the county clerk of Cook County.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2018 |title=African American woman makes history as county clerk |url=https://apnews.com/article/e40a1e2a4dc94fc896f9166baccb0ecf |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> She was preceded by retiring clerk [[David Orr]].<ref name=":4" />
On November 6, 2018, Yarbrough ran unopposed and was elected as the [[Cook County Clerk|Clerk of Cook County]], becoming the first woman and African-American to be elected as the county clerk of Cook County.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Karen Yarbrough |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Karen_Yarbrough |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Ballotpedia]] |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726194729/https://ballotpedia.org/Karen_Yarbrough |url-status=live }}</ref> She took office on December 3, 2018<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2018 |title=African American woman makes history as county clerk |url=https://apnews.com/article/e40a1e2a4dc94fc896f9166baccb0ecf |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411021650/https://apnews.com/article/e40a1e2a4dc94fc896f9166baccb0ecf |url-status=live }}</ref> and was preceded by retiring clerk [[David Orr]],<ref name=":4" /> and served until her death on April 7, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stefanski |first=Matt |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies following hospitalization, spokesperson confirms |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-spokesperson-confirms/3403801/ |accessdate=April 7, 2024 |publisher=[[NBC Chicago]] |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408000515/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-spokesperson-confirms/3403801/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


On February 22, 2021, Yarbrough was appointed as acting Chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]], after preceding chairman [[Mike Madigan]] resigned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Ex-House speaker Madigan quits Democratic Party chairman job |url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-michael-madigan-karen-yarbrough-illinois-af1e043484b413532e8f769334313624 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufmann |first=Justin |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough forged a legacy in Illinois politics |url=https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/08/legacy-karen-yarbrough-madigan-cook-county-maywood |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]}}</ref> She held this position until [[Robin Kelly]] was elected as Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party on March 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2021 |title=U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly Elected Illinois Democratic Party Chair |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rep-robin-kelly-illinois-democratic-party-chair/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[CBS Chicago]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
On February 22, 2021, Yarbrough was appointed as acting Chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]], after preceding chairman [[Mike Madigan]] resigned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Ex-House speaker Madigan quits Democratic Party chairman job |url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-michael-madigan-karen-yarbrough-illinois-af1e043484b413532e8f769334313624 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=[[Associated Press News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225080948/https://apnews.com/article/chicago-michael-madigan-karen-yarbrough-illinois-af1e043484b413532e8f769334313624 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Kaufmann |first=Justin |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough forged a legacy in Illinois politics |url=https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/08/legacy-karen-yarbrough-madigan-cook-county-maywood |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]] |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411021605/https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/08/legacy-karen-yarbrough-madigan-cook-county-maywood |url-status=live }}</ref> She held this position until [[Robin Kelly]] was elected as Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party on March 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2021 |title=U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly Elected Illinois Democratic Party Chair |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rep-robin-kelly-illinois-democratic-party-chair/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |publisher=[[CBS Chicago]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809164416/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rep-robin-kelly-illinois-democratic-party-chair/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


She served on several house committees, including as chairwoman of the [[Housing and Urban Development]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Stern |first=Seth |date=March 21, 2006 |title=Yarbrough campaign declares victory |url=http://www.oakpark.com/2006/03/21/yarbrough-campaign-declares-victory/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Wednesday Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref> vice-chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, on the Environmental Health Committee, Appropriations-Public Safety Committee, and the Computer Technology Committee.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Yarbrough was a member of the [[Illinois Legislative Black Caucus]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Pioneering Cook County Clerk and Politician, Dies at 73 |url=https://chicagodefender.com/karen-yarbrough-pioneering-cook-county-clerk-and-politician-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[The Chicago Defender]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
She served on several house committees, including as chairwoman of the [[Housing and Urban Development]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Stern |first=Seth |date=March 21, 2006 |title=Yarbrough campaign declares victory |url=http://www.oakpark.com/2006/03/21/yarbrough-campaign-declares-victory/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Wednesday Journal]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215195046/https://www.oakpark.com/2006/03/21/yarbrough-campaign-declares-victory/ |url-status=live }}</ref> vice-chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, on the Environmental Health Committee, Appropriations-Public Safety Committee, and the Computer Technology Committee.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Yarbrough was a member of the [[Illinois Legislative Black Caucus]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Karen Yarbrough, Pioneering Cook County Clerk and Politician, Dies at 73 |url=https://chicagodefender.com/karen-yarbrough-pioneering-cook-county-clerk-and-politician-dies-at-73/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[The Chicago Defender]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408143700/https://chicagodefender.com/karen-yarbrough-pioneering-cook-county-clerk-and-politician-dies-at-73/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Yarbrough served as vice-chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]].<ref name="madigan"/> She was regarded as an ally of former state party chairman [[Michael Madigan]].<ref name="madigan">{{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |title=Former Cook County commissioner, House Speaker Madigan ally appointed recorder of deeds |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-ed-moody-appointed-recorder-of-deeds-20181204-story.html |website=chicagotribune.com |publisher=Chicago Tribune |access-date=5 November 2020 |date=4 December 2018}}</ref>
Yarbrough served as vice-chair of the [[Democratic Party of Illinois]].<ref name="madigan"/> She was regarded as an ally of former state party chairman [[Michael Madigan]].<ref name="madigan">{{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |title=Former Cook County commissioner, House Speaker Madigan ally appointed recorder of deeds |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-ed-moody-appointed-recorder-of-deeds-20181204-story.html |publisher=chicagotribune.com |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=November 5, 2020 |date=December 4, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108104611/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-ed-moody-appointed-recorder-of-deeds-20181204-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Yarbrough was the founder and [[CEO]] of Hathaway Insurance Agency, where she worked for thirty years.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> She served as president of the Maywood [[Chamber of Commerce]], and on the boards of [[United Way of America|United Way]] of Suburban Chicago and the Oak Park [[YMCA]].<ref name=":5" />
Yarbrough was the founder and [[CEO]] of Hathaway Insurance Agency, where she worked for thirty years.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> She served as president of the Maywood [[Chamber of Commerce]], and on the boards of [[United Way of America|United Way]] of Suburban Chicago and the Oak Park [[YMCA]].<ref name=":5" />


==Personal life and death==
==Personal life and death==
Yarbrough was married to Henderson Yarbrough, Sr., a current{{when?|date=April 2024}} Maywood village trustee and former Maywood village president.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quig |first=A.D. |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Cook County employee sues Clerk Karen Yarbrough over soured land sale |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/07/31/cook-county-employee-sues-clerk-karen-yarbrough-over-soured-land-sale/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Herguth |first=Robert |last2=Placko |first2=Dane |date=August 14, 2012 |title=Maywood Power Couple Presides Over Municipal Mess |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/September-2012/Maywood-Power-Couple-Henderson-and-Karen-Yarbrough-Presides-Over-Municipal-Mess/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Chicago Magazine]] |language=en-US}}</ref> They had six children and twelve grandchildren.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Memorial arrangements for Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough announced |url=https://abc7chicago.com/karen-yarbrough-death-cook-county-clerk-funeral/14641680/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[ABC7 Chicago]] |language=en}}</ref>
Yarbrough was married to Henderson Yarbrough, Sr., a former Maywood village trustee and Maywood village president, the latter position of which he served from 2005 to 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quig |first=A.D. |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Cook County employee sues Clerk Karen Yarbrough over soured land sale |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/07/31/cook-county-employee-sues-clerk-karen-yarbrough-over-soured-land-sale/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411021703/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/07/31/cook-county-employee-sues-clerk-karen-yarbrough-over-soured-land-sale/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Herguth |first1=Robert |last2=Placko |first2=Dane |date=August 14, 2012 |title=Maywood Power Couple Presides Over Municipal Mess |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/September-2012/Maywood-Power-Couple-Henderson-and-Karen-Yarbrough-Presides-Over-Municipal-Mess/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Magazine]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130200533/https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/september-2012/maywood-power-couple-henderson-and-karen-yarbrough-presides-over-municipal-mess/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They had six children and twelve grandchildren.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Memorial arrangements for Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough announced |url=https://abc7chicago.com/karen-yarbrough-death-cook-county-clerk-funeral/14641680/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[ABC7 Chicago]] |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410143607/https://abc7chicago.com/karen-yarbrough-death-cook-county-clerk-funeral/14641680/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


On April 7, 2024, Yarbrough died after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. She was 73.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/|title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73|first1=Sean|last1=Lewis|first2=Andrew|last2=Smith|publisher=WGN 9|date=April 7, 2024|accessdate=April 7, 2024}}</ref>
On April 7, 2024, Yarbrough died after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness at [[Loyola University Medical Center]] in Maywood.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Quig |first=A. D. |date=April 2, 2024 |title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough hospitalized |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/02/cook-county-clerk-yarbrough-hospitalized/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> She was 73.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/|title=Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73|first1=Sean|last1=Lewis|first2=Andrew|last2=Smith|publisher=[[WGN 9]]|date=April 7, 2024|accessdate=April 7, 2024|archive-date=April 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407235756/https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-county-clerk-karen-yarbrough-dies-at-73/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://karenyarbrough.com/ Representative Karen A. Yarbrough] '''official website'''
*[http://karenyarbrough.com/ Representative Karen A. Yarbrough] '''official website'''
*[http://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?MemberID=1203 Illinois General Assembly - Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (D) 7th District] '''official IL House website'''
*[http://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?MemberID=1203 Illinois General Assembly – Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (D) 7th District] '''official IL House website'''
**[http://www.ilga.gov/house/RepBills.asp?MemberID=1203 Bills] [http://www.ilga.gov/house/RepCommittees.asp?MemberID=1203 Committees]
**[http://www.ilga.gov/house/RepBills.asp?MemberID=1203 Bills] [http://www.ilga.gov/house/RepCommittees.asp?MemberID=1203 Committees]
*[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=18322 Project Vote Smart - Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (IL)] profile
*[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=18322 Project Vote Smart – Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (IL)] profile
*''Follow the Money'' - Karen Yarbrough
*''Follow the Money'' – Karen Yarbrough
**[http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200614&c=417453 2006] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200414&c=396043 2004] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200214&c=18794 2002] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200014&c=355602 2000] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=199814&c=355183 1998] campaign contributions
**[http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200614&c=417453 2006] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200414&c=396043 2004] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200214&c=18794 2002] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200014&c=355602 2000] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=199814&c=355183 1998] campaign contributions
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071123172243/http://www.housedem.state.il.us/members/yarbroughk/ Illinois House Democrats - Karen A. Yarbrough] profile
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071123172243/http://www.housedem.state.il.us/members/yarbroughk/ Illinois House Democrats – Karen A. Yarbrough] profile


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{{Cook county democratic committeemen|state=collapsed}}
{{Cook county democratic committeemen|state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Yarbrough, Karen}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yarbrough, Karen}}

Latest revision as of 07:47, 14 April 2024

Karen Yarbrough
Yarbrough in 2013
Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party
Acting
In office
February 22, 2021 – March 3, 2021
Preceded byMichael Madigan
Succeeded byRobin Kelly
Clerk of Cook County
In office
December 3, 2018 – April 7, 2024
Preceded byDavid Orr
Succeeded byCedric Giles (acting)
Cook County Recorder of Deeds
In office
December 2012 – December 3, 2018
Preceded byEugene Moore
Succeeded byEdward Moody
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 7th district
In office
January 2001 – December 2012
Preceded byWanda Sharp
Succeeded byCory Foster
Personal details
Born(1950-08-22)August 22, 1950
Washington, D.C., U.S.
DiedApril 7, 2024(2024-04-07) (aged 73)
Maywood, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseHenderson Yarbrough
EducationChicago State University (BA)
Northeastern Illinois University (MA)

Karen A. Yarbrough[1] (August 22, 1950 – April 7, 2024) was an American politician who served as the Cook County Clerk from 2018 until her death in 2024. Yarbrough served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013, and as Cook County Recorder of Deeds from 2012 to 2018. She briefly served as the interim chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois after long-time chair Michael Madigan resigned from the position in February 2021. Elected to the office of Cook County Clerk on November 6, 2018, she was the first woman and African American to hold the position. She held the position until her death in April 2024.

Early life and education[edit]

Yarbrough was born on August 22, 1950, in Washington, D.C.[2] Her family moved to Maywood, Illinois in the 1960s, and Yarbrough's father, Don Williams Sr., was an insurance agent who later became mayor of the village.[2][3] She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, a master's in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and attended nondegree executive education at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.[4]

Political career and community involvement[edit]

In 1998, Yarbrough unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Eugene Moore in the Democratic primary for the 7th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives.[5]

Yarbrough ran again for the 7th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives again in 2000, this time succeeding, unseating incumbent Wanda Sharp in the Democratic primary and winning the general election.[6] Her term began in January 2001, and she was later appointed an assistant majority leader in 2011 and 2012.[7][8] Yarbrough left the Illinois House of Representatives in 2012 and became Cook County Recorder of Deeds in December that year.[9][10]

On November 6, 2018, Yarbrough ran unopposed and was elected as the Clerk of Cook County, becoming the first woman and African-American to be elected as the county clerk of Cook County.[9][10][11] She took office on December 3, 2018[12] and was preceded by retiring clerk David Orr,[12] and served until her death on April 7, 2024.[13]

On February 22, 2021, Yarbrough was appointed as acting Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, after preceding chairman Mike Madigan resigned.[14][15] She held this position until Robin Kelly was elected as Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party on March 3.[16]

She served on several house committees, including as chairwoman of the Housing and Urban Development,[17] vice-chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, on the Environmental Health Committee, Appropriations-Public Safety Committee, and the Computer Technology Committee.[11][17] Yarbrough was a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.[18]

Yarbrough served as vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.[19] She was regarded as an ally of former state party chairman Michael Madigan.[19]

Yarbrough was the founder and CEO of Hathaway Insurance Agency, where she worked for thirty years.[10][18] She served as president of the Maywood Chamber of Commerce, and on the boards of United Way of Suburban Chicago and the Oak Park YMCA.[10]

Personal life and death[edit]

Yarbrough was married to Henderson Yarbrough, Sr., a former Maywood village trustee and Maywood village president, the latter position of which he served from 2005 to 2013.[20][21] They had six children and twelve grandchildren.[22]

On April 7, 2024, Yarbrough died after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.[15][23] She was 73.[24]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Karen Yarbrough: Cook County Recorder of Deeds". WTTW. October 7, 2016. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Quig, A.D.; Long, Ray; Gorner, Jeremy (April 7, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  3. ^ Goldborough, Bob (July 20, 2018). "Don Williams Sr., Maywood activist and insurance agent who served one term as mayor, dies". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  4. ^ Lewis, Sean; Smith, Andrew; Wang, Judy (April 7, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  5. ^ "Election Vote Totals Results". www.elections.il.gov. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  6. ^ "Downloadable Vote Totals". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  7. ^ Murphy, Peter M. (February 2001). "92nd General Assembly Convenes with Active Schedule". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. Archived from the original on November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  8. ^ Mordacq, Jessica (April 8, 2024). "Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, dies at 73". Forest Park Review. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Lawrence, Beth; Ramos, Andrew (April 8, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies after being hospitalized with "serious medical condition"". CBS Chicago. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d Romain, Michael (April 7, 2024). "Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, Dies At 73". Village Free Press. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Karen Yarbrough". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "African American woman makes history as county clerk". Associated Press. December 3, 2018. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Stefanski, Matt (April 7, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies following hospitalization, spokesperson confirms". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  14. ^ "Ex-House speaker Madigan quits Democratic Party chairman job". Associated Press News. February 22, 2021. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Kaufmann, Justin (April 8, 2024). "Karen Yarbrough forged a legacy in Illinois politics". Axios. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  16. ^ "U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly Elected Illinois Democratic Party Chair". CBS Chicago. March 3, 2021. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Stern, Seth (March 21, 2006). "Yarbrough campaign declares victory". Wednesday Journal. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Karen Yarbrough, Pioneering Cook County Clerk and Politician, Dies at 73". The Chicago Defender. April 8, 2024. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Pratt, Gregory (December 4, 2018). "Former Cook County commissioner, House Speaker Madigan ally appointed recorder of deeds". Chicago Tribune. chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  20. ^ Quig, A.D. (July 31, 2023). "Cook County employee sues Clerk Karen Yarbrough over soured land sale". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  21. ^ Herguth, Robert; Placko, Dane (August 14, 2012). "Maywood Power Couple Presides Over Municipal Mess". Chicago Magazine. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  22. ^ "Memorial arrangements for Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough announced". ABC7 Chicago. April 10, 2024. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  23. ^ Quig, A. D. (April 2, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough hospitalized". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  24. ^ Lewis, Sean; Smith, Andrew (April 7, 2024). "Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73". WGN 9. Archived from the original on April 7, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.

External links[edit]

Party political offices
Preceded by Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party
Acting
2021 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Karen_Yarbrough&oldid=1218859117"