Audrey H. Nixon (Photo courtesy of Lake County)

Lake County Board member Audrey H. Nixon was found dead Apr. 27 in her North Chicago residence.

No official word has been released regarding a cause and manner of death, although it is believed she died of natural causes.

Nixon began her county board career in 1982, often running unopposed, representing District 14, which encompassed areas of Park City, Waukegan, and Gurnee. She served on numerous committees during her 35-year tenure, and chaired the Lake County Board Law and Judicial Committee.

News of her passing spread through the municipality, drawing remembrances and expressions of shock, due to her longevity. Her community involvement was legendary as a member of the North Chicago school board, the NAACP, Emblem Chapter 140, the League of Women Voters, the North Chicago Leadership Council, and former president of Waukegan Township Coalition to Reduce Recidivism.

She also operated the T & N Salon De Coiffure, located at 1819 Glen Flora Ave. in Waukegan, which also served as a de facto meeting place for community members.

“She was committed to the community, obtaining grants, and working with substance abusers in helping them get their lives on track, “said Clyde McLemore, a founder with the Lake County chapter of Black Lives Matter. “I went by their residence and talked with the family. Evidently, she came home, ate some dinner, sat down in her chair to watch television, and passed away peacefully in her sleep.

“Many times, I would go to her shop on Saturdays and talk with her about issues, family … she gave me a lot of insight on my actions, how to conduct activities … she was a monarch for our community,” he said. “She told the truth on everything. She loved her grandkids … it was an honor and a privilege to know her.”

A statement from Lake County was issued by its communications manager, Jennie Vana. “It is with a heavy heart that Lake County announces the passing of a cherished friend, passionate and dedicated community leader and devoted mother and grandmother, Audrey H. Nixon. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, wisdom, fearless persistence and sense of optimism, which made her an exceptional leader.

“She was very passionate about the Youth Build that provides at-risk young adults with the education and training necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. The Lake County Board and the entire Lake County family send their deepest condolences to family,

friends, her church, and community members who gave Audrey endless love and support. She will be remembered forever in their hearts.”

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor also issued a statement, “Audrey (Nixon) was a kind, diligent, and gracious leader for over three decades on the Lake County Board. She cared deeply for her district, and especially, North Chicago. She carried herself with a level of grace and dignity, of a time gone by. But make no mistake, if you crossed North Chicago or got on the wrong side of her on a civil justice issue, she would make no bones about it.

“She wanted people to work together, and would remind you of that just about every chance she could, whether you were a legislator, judge, colleague, staff member or constituent. At a tense meeting or during a debate on a divisive issue, she would say something like ‘I understand all this, but we have got to work together.’ And, it wasn’t just what she said, but how she said it — in the same way the matriarch of a family can gracefully and forcefully refocus a conversation, Audrey did that for us. She was our matriarch and we were her colleagues and second family.”

District 9 County Board member, Mary Ross Cunningham, issued her own press release, saying, “I’ve been working, side by side, with Audrey for 16 years, and she was like a mother to me. I admired her because she always treated people with dignity and respect, and she led with her heart. Our community is so sad and heartbroken. Everyone knew Audrey H. Nixon because she was truly part of the fabric of our community for 35 years.

“She had a strong faith in God and faith in others, believing that everyone deserved a second chance. She worked tirelessly to keep kids off the street and get them on the right track, and help ex-offenders secure jobs and training. She used to say, ‘Just because I’m quiet doesn’t mean I don’t get things done,’ and she had such a positive impact on countless lives. She will be missed dearly.”

She was a member of Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church in North Chicago. She is survived by three children (Rodney, Tonya and Anthony), and 20 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being finalized.