Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73

It is with profound sadness that the Cook County Clerk’s Office announces the death of Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough, a beloved leader and dedicated public servant who was serving her second term as the elected Clerk of Cook County at the time of her passing.

Clerk Yarbrough passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon surrounded by her husband and family after being hospitalized last week.

“We have lost one of the brightest lights in the public service arena in Cook County and the State of Illinois and we will never be quite the same,” said Chief Deputy Clerk Cedric Giles.

“Clerk Yarbrough brought a unique spirit, energy, and compassion to her role in public service, and she used those gifts to bring out the best in all of us. She will be missed beyond measure.”

Clerk Yarbrough and her husband Henderson were longtime Maywood residents and active members of their community.  Her family released the following statement:

“Karen Yarbrough was a wife, mother, sister, aunt and mentor to everyone who met her. So many of us stand on her shoulders and are actively walking pathways that she forged. As a public servant, she had the courage to stand in support of issues that were not always popular, but she knew them to be right.

She was a champion of women’s rights and a defender of the underprivileged and she touched so many people’s lives for the better. Proud is too small a word for what it means to have someone like her as part of our family.”

During her tenure as Clerk, Yarbrough is credited with implementing sweeping changes throughout the office including a complete modernization of election voting equipment and enhancements to the entire voting process for suburban voters.

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she successfully managed a first-of-its kind government consolidation by assuming all duties of the former Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office into the operations of the Clerk’s Office.

“The Clerk’s steadfast commitment to accuracy, efficiency, advocacy and cybersecurity resulted in groundbreaking initiatives in programming and technology that will have a constructive impact on the operations of the Clerk’s Office for generations to come,” said Giles.

When she was elected in 2018, Karen Yarbrough became the first woman and the first African American to serve as Cook County Clerk.

Cook County Clerk’s Office

On behalf of the City of Chicago, I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough. As the first African-American and the first woman to hold the position of County Clerk, she was both a pioneer and a tireless legislator, committed to social and economic justice throughout decades of public service. Her passion for ensuring that communities experience the full support of their governing bodies and benefit from the fruits of our democracy will truly be missed, as will her radiant smile.

Karen Yarbrough forged a path for officials like myself and many others, and my administration is keeping her memory and her family in our hearts during this difficult time.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

Bryan and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough. She was a dedicated public servant and paved the way for so many as the first Black person and first woman to serve as Cook County Clerk.

As a fellow elected official and friend, she was always encouraging, and we shared many passionate conversations about advancing equity in our communities.

Above all, she was a wonderful human being loved by so many, including her family and friends who mourn her loss. We are praying for them and her colleagues in the Cook County Clerk’s Office as they grieve and send them strength for the journey.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

Karen Yarborough and I had a friendship that crossed racial lines. If all blacks and whites got along as well as we did, the city, state, and county would be a better place to live.

We were soul sisters and gossip buddies.

She is irreplaceable in politics because she represented kindness and compassion. She never had two stories.

It’s a totally different ball game today.

Karen had an innate, God-given talent of compassion that can’t be taught. She was born with a gift of kindness.

I don’t know who in the Democratic party is that gifted. I will miss my locker buddy across the hall.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Karen Yarbrough was dedicated to serving the people of this county and committed to fairness in the critical role of counting votes in our elections. I had the honor of swearing her in as the first Black woman to serve in the role of Cook County Clerk. I also respect her years of service in representing the western suburbs in the Illinois state house. She was a true public servant and will be greatly missed.

Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans

We are deeply saddened by the news of Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough’s passing. Karent was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Cook County. She was a trailblazer and a friend, always advocating for what she believed was right and standing firm in her convictions.

In this moment of loss, our thoughts are with Karen’s husband, six children, family, friends and all who were touched by her remarkable life. We mourn her death but are grateful for her profound impact and the enduring contributions she made to Cook County. Her spirit and dedication will continue to inspire us all.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle