Aurora to be host to horse-drawn procession for alderwoman who died unexpectedly

Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns
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A trailblazing history-maker, in 1991, she was the first Black person elected to the Aurora City Council, and last week, she became the first sitting City Council member to die while in office. In between were 32 years of making more history, making significant moves, and making the lives of Aurorans better. 

Aurora Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns, 68, died last week unexpectedly after surgical complications. 

To honor her life and legacy, the city of Aurora will host a horse-drawn procession, Friday, June 30, bringing her casket by Aurora City Hall one final time.  

City staff members and community members will line the street as her casket will be flanked by the Aurora Police Honor Guard and the Aurora Fire Honor Guard. 

Members of the Keystone Masonic Lodge #15 will escort the casket and serve as pallbearers for the procession. 

As the carriage comes to a pause, a brief presentation will commence, including a poem from the Aurora poet laureate Karen Christensen, remarks from mayor Richard C. Irvin, a performance of her favorite Gospel song, and a release of seven doves, symbolic of the Ward 7 where she served as alderwoman for 32 years. 

A fierce advocate for youth, senior citizens, and the underserved, alderwoman Hart-Burns dedicated her life to public service, community engagement, and social justice. She wasn’t just a public servant. She quickly became a friend, mentor, sister, or mother to everyone she interacted with. 

During her tenure, she launched more than two dozen organizations, including neighborhood groups, resident councils, homeowners’ associations, cultural groups, youth groups, faith groups, educational programs, and service initiatives.

Following the procession, her body will be escorted to Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, 111 Bonner Ave., where family members will receive visitors at the wake from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m..

The funeral will occur at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, at the Cathedral of Grace Church, 2950 Bilter Road. It will be live-streamed to Aurora’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofAuroraIL

The City will announce next week the process for filling the Ward 7 seat. 

— City government of Aurora, Ill.

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