SR0672 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0672 LRB095 20908 GRL 49819 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Doris V. Jefferson of Mascoutah, who passed away on March 24, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Doris V. Jefferson was born Doris Verneice Price in Gonzalez, Texas; she was one of nine children born to Carl and Eva Price; and

WHEREAS, After Doris V. Jefferson's family moved to San Antonio, Texas, she attended Phyllis Wheatley High School, where she was a cheerleader and a very popular person; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, Doris V. Jefferson married Manuel Scates, who served as an airman in the armed forces; during this period, she worked at the Post Exchange at the soda fountain; after her marriage to Mr. Scates ended, she married James Jefferson; together, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson had four children; and

WHEREAS, Doris V. Jefferson saw the world with Mr. Jefferson; the two lived in Illinois, France, and England, enjoying jazz, parties, and socializing with friends in many locations; in 1960, they returned to the United States when James was stationed at Scott Air Force Base near Mascoutah; and

WHEREAS, After James Jefferson was sent to Vietnam in 1966, Doris V. Jefferson lived the life of a stay at home mother, helping her children in many ways; she insisted that they attend Sunday school and church and encouraged them to read books and learn all that they could; she also served as coach of a girl's softball team and was the leader of a Girl Scout troop and Cub Scout group; and

WHEREAS, Spurred by her newly independent lifestyle and the turbulent times of the 1960s, Doris V. Jefferson became engaged in a life of politics and activism; she became involved in Democratic politics and was a delegate to the 1984 convention in New York City; she also met President Jimmy Carter and had a picture of her with Jimmy and Roslyn Carter, which was one of her most prized possessions; and

WHEREAS, After her husband returned from Vietnam, Doris V. Jefferson and her husband went back to school to get their bachelor's and master's degrees; concurrently, she worked at the library at McKendree College in Lebanon and was a Coro Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Doris V. Jefferson was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; and her eight siblings; and

WHEREAS, Doris V. Jefferson is survived by her children, James Jr., Charles, David, and Eva; and her grandsons, Leo and Tony; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Doris V. Jefferson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Doris V. Jefferson as an expression of our sympathy.