[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING LERLEANE PAYNE CHAVIS'S SERVICE TO MADISON COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NIKKI BUDZINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2023

  Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lerleane Payne Chavis, of 
Madison, Illinois, for 60 years of dedicated service to the Treasurer's 
office in Madison County.
  Lerleane was born on June 17, 1942, in Madison, lllinois. Continuing 
to be raised in the city, she would graduate from Madison High School 
in 1960.
  Not long after, Lerleane would make history in Madison County. On 
January 7, 1963, eager to break the color barrier, County Treasurer, 
George Musso, would hire Lerleane into her office. Lerleane would be 
the first African American office worker employed in Madison County and 
the first African American woman to work for Madison County government. 
At 20 years old, Lerleane proved herself to be a diligent worker and 
create a welcoming space for her fellow employees.
  Her diligence to her craft would lead to numerous promotions, 
eventually being promoted to Deputy Treasurer for the county. Lerleane 
would retire from her full-time employment in 1998, but continues to 
serve on a part-time basis.
  January 7, 2023 marked Lerleane's 60th year of service in the Madison 
County's Treasurer's Office, making her the longest serving employee in 
Madison County Government history. During her time, she has served 
under nine county treasurers, making her the unofficial matriarch of 
the Treasurer's Office.
  Throughout her service, Lerleane maintained being a pillar in her 
community. She would marry LeRoy Chavis in 1968 and spend 49 years 
together until his passing in 2017. She is the mother of four children, 
grandmother to nine, and great-grandmother to five. She is a longtime 
member of Mt. Joy Baptist Church, and volunteers her time taking care 
of several elderly friends in the area.
  Lerleane is a unsung hero who deserves her flowers and appreciation. 
She is a trailblazer in the fight for equality and it is an honor to 
recognize her today.

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