Community Services Foundation is saddened by the loss of a very dear friend, advocate, and Foundation board member, Lloyd T. Fortson, who passed away on March 19, 2010.

Lloyd had a technical background with a passion for serving people. He served in the US Air Force for four years in a high security position in the Strategic Air Command. After serving in the military, he began a career as an engineer at IBM where he worked until retirement. Lloyd volunteered his time to help others in need. He gave a great deal of his time volunteering at the South Suburban School for Special Education in Harvey. According to his wife, JoAnne, “Lloyd’s passion was addressing the needs of disabled persons. He loved seeing those needs met when projects came to fruition.”

Southwest Community Services, Inc. (SCS) acquired the South Suburban School for Special Education in 1998, renaming it Community Early Intervention. Lloyd joined the SCS Board of Directors as a representative of the school. His volunteer role soon expanded as an advocate of both children and adults with disabilities. Mary Pat Ambrosino, Executive Director of SCS, reflected, “To me Lloyd exemplified my most cherished human quality: empathy. He had an insightful connection with our consumers without judgment of their disability.  I miss him and can only hope that SCS will be able to find another board member that has his spirit and moral fiber.”

In 2002, Lloyd joined the Board of Directors of Community Services Foundation as a representative of SCS. Charley Smith, CEO and Vice Chairperson of the Community Services Foundation Board, respected Lloyd’s compassion for others. “We have lost a great champion for people with disabilities. We will honor his values through our work at the Foundation.” 

We would like to thank everyone who made donations in memory of Lloyd Fortson. Community Services Foundation will use the contributions to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.