IL HR0842

Honors Billie Jean Paige of Chicago, who passed away on April 10, 2022.

Born June 26, 1937, to Enos and Ora Bond; attended boarding school in Wisconsin and graduated from college at age 19 after studying at Loyola University, University of Chicago, and Roosevelt University.

Served as Commissioner of the Illinois Department of Labor's Division of Unemployment Insurance in 1975, making her the first African American woman to head an unemployment program in the United States; later became the first full-time African American female lobbyist in Illinois in 1983.

Held positions including Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Registration and Education, Director of Government Affairs for the Illinois Hospital Association, and President of Shea, Paige, and Rogal, Incorporated.

Extended condolences to her surviving husband George, son Gary, daughter-in-law Jacinta, granddaughter Daria, and other family and friends.