Harvey library treasurer JoAnn Nesbitt dies at 76

Harvey library treasurer JoAnn Nesbitt passed away July 17 at the age of 76.

Nesbitt, who had not attended a library meeting for several months, was first elected in 2013. She was re-elected to a six-year term in 2019. The funeral was held in nearby Homewood.

According to her obituary, Nesbitt was a Tennessee native whose family migrated north to Gary, IN. before settling in Illinois in 1960.

Library trustees have begun issuing statements about Nesbitt’s passing.

“Joanne served as a dedicated Trustee for over a decade, she was a true supporter of providing resources to Harvey residents, especially children,” library president Tamika Price wrote in a statement on behalf of the board on the library’s website. 

“She found joy and pride in being a board member and was active and engaged in the HPLD events and outreach efforts. She will truly be missed.”

Vice President Monique Williams spoke at the funeral and, on behalf of the board, presented a resolution honoring Nesbitt.

Secretary Chapelle Hooks, who also attended Nesbitt’s funeral, described her as “a lovely woman” who “was always in good spirits, even though she was going through her battle of that awful illness. Her face stayed with a smile on it.”

Nesbitt previously served as the administrator for former 3rd Ward alderperson Daryl Crudup, and he briefly worked for the library while Nesbitt was a trustee. 

Crudup wanted to bring on quality customer service for 3rd Ward residents, and Nesbitt helped with administrative items. That allowed Crudup to work with other City Council members and state legislators on big projects “in the face of all the challenges,” Crudup said in a statement to the HWH. He also doted on her personal trains, including compassion. “You cannot train ‘em on integrity, and morals and character. I truly miss her.”

Leading up to her death, Nesbitt hadn’t attended a meeting in months. Board member Anthony McCaskill had begun taking on her treasurer duties last summer.

Nesbitt’s passing creates the second board vacancy in a year. In June 2023, Yadira Garcia resigned as a trustee. The board appointed Keith Price, husband of president Tamika Price, to fill her seat.

According to the Illinois Local Library Act, the board now has a 90 day window to fill the vacant seat. The appointed person would serve out the term until the next scheduled election for that seat, according to the Act.

Both Garcia and Nesbitt’s seats were already up for re-election in 2025, meaning the two library seats will be on the 2025 ballot as the region heads into election season.

The next regular library board meeting is Thursday, August 8.