- Karen Yarbrough was married to Henderson Yarbrough Sr., who served as the mayor of Maywood and a Maywood village trustee.
- They had six children, with five daughters and twelve grandchildren.
- Henderson Yarbrough Sr. began his career in public service in 1983 and served as mayor of Maywood from 2005 to 2013.
- After retirement, he launched a company named Happily Retired.
Newsypeople – Karen Yarbrough husband, Henderson Yarbrough Sr., previously held the position of mayor in Maywood and also served as a Maywood village trustee.
In unfortunate news, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough has passed away. She was hospitalized last week due to an undisclosed illness and passed away on April 7.
At 73 years old, Yarbrough made history as the first African American and woman to hold the position of clerk in Cook County. She was reelected in 2022 and was midway through her four-year term.
As clerk, Yarbrough oversaw election processes in Cook County and managed vital records and TIF District Information for the county.
Prior to her role as clerk, she served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from January 2001 to December 2012. Following that, she held the position of Cook County Recorder of Deeds from 2012 to 2018.
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Karen Yarbrough’s Husband, Henderson Yarbrough, Was Former Maywood Mayor
Karen Yarbrough, who served as Cook County Clerk, died at the age of 73. She was a trailblazer and a political mainstay in west suburban Maywood, where her husband, Henderson Yarbrough, was also a mayor.
Henderson Yarbrough served as the mayor of Maywood before Karen Yarbrough became the Cook County Clerk.
Karen Yarbrough’s husband, Henderson Yarbrough, was by her side when she passed away, surrounded by her family.
The couple was known for their political influence in Proviso Township politics. Karen Yarbrough’s contributions to the community and politics of Cook County will be remembered and celebrated.
Later, Henderson was promoted to mayor, serving from 2005 to 2013. He then became a Maywood Village trustee from 2015 to 2019.
Congressman Danny K. Davis and other elected officials honored Karen Yarbrough’s husband during his retirement. Karen surprised her beloved spouse with this gesture.
State Rep. Emanuel Welch gave a speech on Henderson’s work and their relationship. He shared,
“When Yarbrough served as mayor of Maywood, we had our agreements and disagreements, but there was always respect among each other,” said state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th). “ And since I’ve become state representative, he’s been one of the people most encouraging to me … As a black man in the community, this gentleman was the role model for us.”
Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey also read a proclamation drafted in tribute to Yarbrough.
“If it wasn’t for men like you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” Harvey said.
Following his retirement, Yarbrough Sr. launched a company named Happily Retired. During her tenure, she oversaw the elimination of the recorder’s office and assumed all duties of that office as county clerk in 2020. As Cook County Clerk, Yarbrough made enhancements to the voting process for suburban voters and modernized election voting equipment. She was also credited with successfully consolidating all duties of the former Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office into the clerk’s office amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Did Karen Yarbrough Have Six Children With Henderson Yarbrough
Karen Yarbrough had six children with Henderson Yarbrough, as indicated in the obituary of Aubrey Seymour, Sr., who is survived by his seven children, including Karen Yarbrough.
The Yarbrough family has been a prominent political force in Maywood, with Henderson Yarbrough serving as the mayor of Maywood for nearly two decades. Karen Yarbrough’s political career and contributions to Cook County have been significant, and her family, including her husband Henderson and their seven children, have played a role in shaping the political landscape of the region.
Yarbrough’s family background was also notable, with her father, Don Williams Sr., being a prominent figure in Maywood. Williams was a respected community leader who established the first African-American-owned pharmacy in the village and was involved in various civic activities. Yarbrough followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a licensed real estate broker and founding Hathaway Insurance Agency in Maywood.
Despite facing allegations of patronage hiring during her career, Yarbrough consistently denied these claims and worked to address issues related to employment practices. She navigated challenges and controversies throughout her tenure, ultimately overseeing the end of the Shakman case, which aimed to combat unfair political practices in government employment decisions.
Yarbrough’s decision not to run for statewide office in 2021, in part due to her husband Henderson’s health concerns, highlighted the importance of family in her life. Henderson Yarbrough, a former mayor of Maywood, stood by Karen Yarbrough throughout her political career, providing support and wisdom as she navigated the complexities of public service.
Karen Yarbrough’s legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and service to her community. Her impact on Illinois politics, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to bridge racial divides have left a lasting impression on those who knew her and worked alongside her. Karen Yarbrough will be remembered as a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for the people of Cook County.
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