Remembering Doris Clark

The AFSCME family was saddened this week by the passing of Doris Clark, a founding member of Retiree Chapter 31 and a decades-long advocate for dignity and security for all retirees

Doris, born January 14, 1915, in Chesterfield, worked as a payroll officer for the Jacksonville Developmental Center for many years. She was instrumental in the organization of AFSCME Retirees Chapter 31 and served as Chapter 31 president from 1991-2007. She was also a Vice President of International AFSCME Retirees.

Doris was elected to the State Employees Retirement Board and served for 12 years. She was recipient of the Governor's Award for Unique Achievement in Labor and was named to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame in 2009.

“Doris was a tireless advocate on an array of issues vital to the well-being of seniors, especially protecting and defending Social Security and Medicare,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “She was a union stalwart in every sense of the term – deeply committed and utterly intrepid. There was no task she was ever asked to take on that she refused – or failed to give her all.”

Steve Regenstreif, former national director of AFSCME Retirees, said: “Doris would go anywhere, anytime and under any conditions for the union….She was fearless.”