Ethel Skyles Alexander
Ethel Skyles Alexander (January 16, 1925 – September 10, 2016) was a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate. She served in four General Assemblies in the House and four General Assemblies in the Senate. Carol Moseley Braun described Alexander as her mentor. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Alexander graduated from Englewood High School. She received an associate of arts degree from Loop College (now Harold Washington College). She also took an IBM Executive Training Course there. She worked in the Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court office for 33 years. Her father Charles Skyles also served in the Illinois General Assembly. Political career From 1979 to 1986, Alexander served in the Illinois House of Representatives as a Democrat. She represented the 26th House District in the 81st and 82nd General Assemblies (1979–1983); following the 1981 redistricting, she represented the 32nd House District in the 83rd and 84th General Assemblies (1983–1987). In 1985 she became chair of the House Elections Committee. On July 16, 1986, Alexander was appointed to the Illinois Senate to replace Charles Chew, who died while in office. She served in the Senate until 1993. In the 85th General Assembly (1987–1989), she became vice-chair of