Chicago, IL. ---- “The state of Illinois has lost a strong advocate for children’s and women’s issues with the passing of State Rep. Lovana “Lou” Jones, and I lost a great friend.  I’ve known Lou for over 40 years, and her sense of selflessness for her constituents, enduring love for her family and reverence for her colleagues and friends will be greatly missed.  Lou Jones was a passionate and unequivocal advocate for the rights and the well-being of inmates in penal institutions, as well as a steadfast proponent of enhanced rights for custodial grandparents across the state.”

 “She was one of the founding members of Operation Push, an early and leading volunteer during Harold Washington’s 1983 mayoral campaign, and as a Clinton delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention; she helped secured the presidential nomination for Bill Clinton. Her involvement in these campaigns inspired others to get onboard.”

 “My wife and I were extremely close with Lou, and the magnitude of her friendship will stay with us forever.”