Elected in 1975, Wyvetter H. Younge, was one of the longest-serving current members of the Illinois House. Younge passed away on Friday after surgery complications to correct a bleeding artery she suffered on December 9, Younge’s daughter Margaret Hewitt told the Associated Press.
An attorney with a B.S. from Hampton Institute, a J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law, and a L.L.M. from Washington University School of Law, Representative Younge was a former Assistant Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis.
Younge represented the 114th District since 1975, and was the Assistant Majority Leader. Her district includes Alorton, Belleville, Brooklyn, Cahokia, Centreville, East St. Louis, Fairview Heights, Mascoutah, Millstadt, O’Fallon, Sauget, Scott Air Force Base, Shiloh, Swansea and Washington Park.Rep. Younge received “Best Legislator” award from the UAW in 1993.
Her committee assignments have included: Committee of the Whole; Housing & Urban Development; Approp-Elementary & Secondary Educ; Local Government; Child Support Enforcement; Revenue; Environmental Health (Vice-Chairperson); Subcommittee on Property Tax. She also is a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
Younge is survived by Richard G. Younge, also an attorney, and her two children Torque and Margaret. Younge’s daughter Ruth preceded her in death.
Information from the Associated Press and Wikipedia contributed to this report.
