SR0944 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0944 LRB101 17375 LAW 66780 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Flowers Jr. of Chicago, who passed away on December 29, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. was born in Gunnison, Mississippi to Robert and Elvirra Flowers Sr. on December 10, 1955; while living in Mississippi, he worked in the field as a cotton picker with his mother and six siblings; he attended Broad Street High School in Shelby, Mississippi; he was an active member of the high school's football team; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. moved to Chicago in 1979; he became employed as a security guard; later, he was employed at Country Delight Dairy as a truck loader; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. met his wife, Olivia Hodges, in 1980; one child was born from their union; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. was baptized and became a member of New True Love Missionary Baptist Church on December 7, 2003 under the late Alford Williams Sr., where he served as a faithful usher; he was later ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Anthony R. Stepney III; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. enjoyed playing cards, barbecuing, fishing, making hot tamales, and spending time with his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Marie Dinkins, Elvirra Jackson, Estella Flowers, and Tina Flowers; and his brother, John Flowers; and

WHEREAS, Robert Flowers Jr. is survived by his wife, Olivia Flowers; his children, Marchalle Barksdale, Robert (Shuntae) McAfee, Robin Flowers, Patrick Osborne, Raven Flowers, and Kent (Hillary) Jones; his grandchildren, Zion, Railey, Ranijah, Kent Jr., Bliss, Dejah, Aniya, Eboneke, Young, Devante, Javaris, and Eliana; his great grandchildren, Kevon, Michael, and Neveah; his godchildren, Jahmyra and Jamonte; his brother, Freddie Rushing; his sisters-in-law, Linda Bates and Joi Flowers; his brothers-in-law, Michael Hodges, Edward (Margarita) Hodges, and Frank Brown; and his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Flowers Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Flowers Jr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.