WHEREAS, Verdis Jeune Robinson, 63, of Kansas City, died November 29,
1997, at Bethany Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, Verdis Jeune Robinson began her career at the D.J. Young
Publishing Co.; thereafter, she became a meter maid for the city of Kansas City,
Kansas, and worked her way through the ranks of the city to become Director
of Parking Control. She was appointed as the first African-American female
representative to the Kansas State Legislature in 1989. During her tenure as
state representative, Verdis was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Wy-
andotte County Commissioner for the 2nd District. She was elected to a full
four-year term as Wyandotte County Commissioner of the 2nd District, which
she served until the implementation of the Unified Government, October 1,
1997. Verdis was a servant of and for the people of Wyandotte County. Verdis'
commitment to public service covered more than three decades. Her legacy of
sincerity, honesty, generosity, kindness and love of family and friends will always
be remembered by the many lives she touched.
WHEREAS, Working for social change, Verdis Jeune Robinson became an
active member and founder of several federated women's democratic clubs.
She was a board member of the Kansas City, Kansas, branch of NAACP, Dem-
ocratic Precinct Committee Woman, Vice Chairman to the Democratic Central
Committee, co-founder and President of the Rebecca Vincson Federated
Women's Club, co-founder and consultant to the New Breed Federated Club,
board member and President of the Equal Opportunity Foundation, Quindaro
Ruins/Underground Railroad Exercise, Executive Committee and President of
Democracy, Inc., Kansas Women's Democratic Federation and various other
organizations. She received many honors, recognitions and accolades for her
accomplishments and endeavors in public service.
WHEREAS, Verdis Jeune Robinson received the following recognitions:
The Chairs Special Service Award on June 6, 1996, presented by the Kansas
Democratic Party; given the Go Getters Award on July 11, 1986, presented by
the NAACP, Kansas City, Kansas, Branch; given the PRIDE (Professional Ra-
cial Image Demonstrating Equality) First Sweetheart Award presented by the
Black Firefighter's Organization-PRIDE on February 14, 1986; the Verdis J.
Robinson family was recognized as the 1989 Black Family of the Year on July
22, 1989, presented by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and the
Missouri Lottery; delegate to the state and national Democratic Convention;
3rd Congressional District Chairman and Nominee for Who's Who Among the
Most 100 Influential Blacks.
WHEREAS, Verdis Jeune Robinson leaves to mourn five children, two sis-
ters, two brothers and a host of relatives and friends: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas: That
we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Verdis Jeune Robinson.
I hereby certify that the above Resolution originated in the House, and
was adopted by that body