Lucia M. Green,
The Women in My Life

Lucia1Lena Jordan, my Grandmother came to Champaign, Illinois in 1914. She was a gracious lady, a homemaker, gardener and super cook. She loved entertaining her family, friends and neighbors. She passed that legacy on to my mother, Willie C. Pyles Hornbuckle. Mom too loved entertaining her family, friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed community involvement. She served on the Human Relations Commission of Champaign County for several terms; Parent Teacher Association President of Lawhead and Willard Schools and retired from the University of Illinois Snack Bars as Supervisor.

lucia2As for me, I too enjoyed many of the same involvements; entertaining family and friends, cooking, decorating and community involvement. I served on the Champaign/Urbana Parent Teacher Council, was President of Lawhead and Washington School P.T.A.; and the Champaign County Urban League Auxiliary.


While raising a family, I worked several part-time jobs. Later, I launched a 28 year career with the University of Illinois. I retired as Personnel Director of the Illini Union and Affirmative Action Officer.

lucia3The legacy of work ethics, entertaining, etc. continued with
my 4 children, 3 of whom are featured in this article. Sharlyne J. Wallace of Normal, Illinois, is employed as the Assistant Director of University Communications at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois; Rhonda L. Kornegay, Administrative Aide for the Dean of the College of Communications, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana Campus; Cathy J. Williams, Springfield, Illinois is employed as a Secretary for the Department of School Support, Illinois State Board of Education. I must say, Champaign, Illinois has definitely proved to be a wonderful city for raising a family and preparing for a career. The love of family, friends and
community has been a contributing factor in all our accomplishments.

 
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This Legacy is Yours was a cooperative effort between the National Council of Negro Women, Champaign County Chapter, and the Museum of the Grand Prairie.

A gold star star denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section of the National Council of Negro Women.

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