The City of Champaign is sad to announce the death of Mable Thomas, Neighborhood Coordinator in the Neighborhood Services Department. Ms. Thomas passed away early this morning at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
City of Champaign Elected Officials and Staff are mourning the loss of Ms. Thomas, a 23 year employee of the City. Ms. Thomas was originally hired in 1987 as Administrative Assistant, promoted to the Assistant to the City Manager for Community Development in 1988 and was appointed to serve as Neighborhood Services Coordinator upon creation of the Neighborhood Services Department in 1992. Ms. Thomas was a dedicated public servant who spent countless hours providing support to neighborhood residents and leaders in addressing community problems. Her personal example has contributed to many of the strong positive relationships the City enjoys with its residents today.
“Our hearts are heavy. The passing of Mable is a true loss to our City and community. She will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with her family,” said Mayor Jerry Schweighart.
Over her tenure with the City, Ms. Thomas helped organize hundreds of neighborhood groups. She was instrumental in expanding the City’s Neighborhood Watch Program and organized the popular National Night Out event. With the support of the City Council she created the Neighborhood Small Grant Program to fund neighborhood based problem-solving and improvement projects. She initiated an Annual Neighborhood Leaders Meeting to educate residents about City government. She was also very active in a number of community organizations and activities including the Triad SALT, Crimestoppers, Safe Kids Coalition, CommUnity Matters and the First Street Farmers Market.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Tomorrow evening marks the 7th Annual Neighborhood Leaders meeting. The City would like to dedicate this event in Ms. Thomas’s memory.