Karen Yarbrough husband, Henderson Yarbrough Sr., is the former mayor of Maywood and served as a Maywood village trustee.
Sad news! The Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough is no more. The lady was hospitalized last week for an undisclosed illness and succumbed to it on April 7.
The 73-year-old was the first African American and woman clerk to serve in Cook County. She was reelected in 2022 and was nearly halfway through her four-year term.
Key Takeaways:
- Karen Yarbrough’s husband worked for Maywood Village from 1983 to 2019. Henderson Yarbrough Sr. retired in 2019.
- The Yarbrough couple shared six children, who have all grown up. However, they stay away from the spotlight.
- The Maywood Democrat served in Cook County from 2018 until her demise in 2024.
As a clerk, Yarbrough supervised the election processes in Cook County and administered Cook County vital records and TIF District Information.
The late Cook County clerk was also an Illinois House of Representatives member from January 2001 to December 2012. Next, she was the Cook County Recorder of Deeds from 2012 to 2018.
Karen Yarbrough Husband, Henderson Yarbrough, Is The Former Maywood Mayor
The late politician built a remarkable legacy as the Cook County Clerk. Being the first African American woman to hold such a position was challenging.
However, Karen Yarbrough’s husband was always beside her throughout her life’s ups and downs. Henderson knows the burdens that come with a top position, having served as the Mayor of Maywood.
Yarbrough Sr. began working as a special projects coordinator for Maywood Village in 1983. He served under the then-mayor, Joe Freelon.
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.
As a black man in the community, this gentleman was the role model for us.
Following his retirement, Yarbrough Sr. launched a company named Happily Retired.
Karen Yarbrough Had Six Children With Henderson Yarbrough
The Yarbrough couple enjoyed several decades-long marital life and welcomed six children. While details of Karen Yarbrough’s kids are not much, it appears she shared five daughters with her husband.
The late Cook County Clerk also had twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She once shared her granddaughter, Zoe’s prom pictures on Facebook.
Karen’s granddaughter is multilingual and a straight-A student who was about to enroll at a medical school.
The politician kept her family away from the media. Hence, Karen’s children’s names and professions are not revealed.
The Yarbrough family must be mourning the loss of their matriarch. Therefore, it’s advisable to refrain from intruding on their privacy.
FAQ’s
Who Are Karen Yarbrough’s Parents?
Karen Yarbrough was born to her longtime realtor father, Don Williams, and mother.
What Degree Did Karen Yarbrough Earn?
The late Cook County clerk graduated from Chicago State University with her undergraduate degree in business management. She was also a Northern Illinois University graduate who earned her master’s in inner city studies.
What Was Karen Yarbrough’s Salary?
Karen Yarbrough’s salary as a Recorder of Deeds in 2017 was $105,000. She likely earned more as the Cook County clerk.
Did Karen Yarbrough Have Any Siblings?
The Maywood democrat never shared about her brothers or sisters. So, it’s unknown if she had any siblings.
