Former Park Forest Trustee Bonita Dillard, who served from 1999 to 2013, has passed.
Dillard, a resident of Park Forest for over 50 years, was one of the first African-American women to serve on the Park Forest Board of Trustees when she was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1999. Trustee Dillard was elected by Park Forest citizens in 2000. She was subsequently re-elected in 2003, 2006 and 2009.
Affectionately known as Bonita, she and her husband, Roy, were longtime Park Forest residents. They moved to the community in 1969. Prior to her service as Village Trustee, Mrs. Dillard was active with the Girl Scouts, local schools and within the congregation at Faith United Protestant Church. Her commitment to Park Forest was always evident as she served for decades in the Park Forest Kiwanis Club, where she served as Club President and on the Executive Board for the Dr. Charles E. Gavin Foundation. Together with Mr. Dillard, they were instrumental in establishing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Conference Room at Park Forest’s Freedom Hall and in hosting numerous concerts and special events in the building’s theater. Prior to appointment to the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Dillard served on the Park Forest Planning Commission from 1990-1994.
Mrs. Dillard, a 1999 Park Forest Hall of Fame inductee, was 83 years of age at the time of her passing. She is survived by her husband, Roy, and children, Marla and Roderick.
Park Forest salutes Bonita Dillard for her long and dedicated service to the community and expresses heartfelt condolences to all who feel her loss.
Service arrangements:
- Visitation is June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Wake is June 7 at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m.
Location of services: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills, IL 60478