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 Wyandotte 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 mem-
ber and founder of several federated women's democratic clubs. She was a board member
of the Kansas City, Kansas, branch of NAACP, Democratic 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 en-
deavors 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 Racial Image Demonstrating Equality) First Sweet-
heart 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 sisters, two
brothers and a host of relatives and friends: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we extend our deepest sym-
pathy to the family of Verdis Jeune Robinson; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to send five enrolled
copies of this resolution to Senator Jones for distribution to the family.
Senate Resolution No. 1808 was sponsored by Senator Sherman Jones.
I hereby certify that the above Resolution originated in the Senate, and was adopted
by that body