Margie Woods served for 28 years, set the example for many who came after her
JOLIET – Margie Woods was the second black woman elected to the Will County Board and the first black woman to serve in a leadership role on the board, leading the way for other women and people of color to become involved in Will County government. She died on January 29, 2020 in Joliet where she had lived her entire life.
“Margie was a tremendous example for how to be involved in your community and make a difference.” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “I wouldn’t be Speaker of the Will County Board today if Margie Woods hadn’t first blazed the trail.”
“Margie was a tremendous example for how to be involved in your community and make a difference.” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “I wouldn’t be Speaker of the Will County Board today if Margie Woods hadn’t first blazed the trail.”
Woods, who graduated from Joliet Central High School, was elected to the Will County Board to represent District 8 in 1980 and served for 28 years until 2008. In 2003 she was elected by her peers to be the leader of the Democratic Caucus, the first black woman elected to a leadership role on the board.
“Margie was dedicated to lifting up the disadvantaged in her District 8, as well as all of Will County,” said County Board member and colleague Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). “And she believed that government had an important role to play in creating an environment and providing the opportunities for the disadvantaged so that they could succeed.”
In addition to serving as minority leader for six years, Woods served on numerous committees including 14 years on executive committee, and 18 years on judicial committee. Over the years, she also served as Vice President on the Labor and Employment Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo), the President of the Illinois Association of Conservation Forest Preserve Districts, a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity, and many other groups.
“She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk,” said County Board Member and colleague, Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). “She worked hard for what she believed in and she worked across the aisle to build consensus and move the ball forward.”
Woods attended Lewis University and majored in Political Science. She raised six children in Joliet and worked at Caterpillar.
“Margie was a true public servant, dedicated to giving a voice to all residents of Will County,” said Will County Board Executive Larry Walsh Sr. “She was a strong pillar of county government and leaves behind a great legacy of inclusion for all residents of our diverse community.”
“Margie was dedicated to lifting up the disadvantaged in her District 8, as well as all of Will County,” said County Board member and colleague Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). “And she believed that government had an important role to play in creating an environment and providing the opportunities for the disadvantaged so that they could succeed.”
In addition to serving as minority leader for six years, Woods served on numerous committees including 14 years on executive committee, and 18 years on judicial committee. Over the years, she also served as Vice President on the Labor and Employment Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo), the President of the Illinois Association of Conservation Forest Preserve Districts, a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity, and many other groups.
“She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk,” said County Board Member and colleague, Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). “She worked hard for what she believed in and she worked across the aisle to build consensus and move the ball forward.”
Woods attended Lewis University and majored in Political Science. She raised six children in Joliet and worked at Caterpillar.
“Margie was a true public servant, dedicated to giving a voice to all residents of Will County,” said Will County Board Executive Larry Walsh Sr. “She was a strong pillar of county government and leaves behind a great legacy of inclusion for all residents of our diverse community.”
RSS Feed