HR0785 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0785 LRB100 18578 MST 33802 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Irene H. Brodie, who passed away on January 18, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie was born in Armorel, Arkansas to Ira E. and Ressie Elder Hale on February 27, 1931; she was educated in the Missouri Public School System and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri before transferring to Chicago Teacher's College (Chicago State University), where she attained her Bachelor of Education; she then attended the University of Chicago, where she attained her Master of Science Degree, and Nova University (Nova Southeastern University), where she was awarded her Doctorate of Education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie served as a 6th grade teacher at Kellar Jr. High School in Robbins and taught English at Richards High School in Oak Lawn; she later became assistant principal at Turner Elementary School and Professor of Communications at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, ultimately becoming Dean of Basic Education/Academic Skills at Moraine Valley Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie was appointed village clerk for Robbins and served in that position for 12 years; she went on to serve as the mayor of Robbins for 24 years from 1989 to 2013; she served as the Secretary of the National Conference of Black Mayors and was a member of both the South Suburban Mayor's Association and President Bill Clinton's Environmental Think-Tank Group; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie was a member of numerous civic and community organizations including serving as president of the board of The Libra School; she was a member of The Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. Board of Directors, the Blue Island Rotary Club, and the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce; she was also a member of the Moraine Valley Community College Foundation and was recognized as one of the college's most notable benefactors; she was a member of the Great Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Robbins; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ethel H. Banks and Rev. Dr. Evelyn H. Meachum; her husband, J.E. Brodie; and her daughter, Jeraye Brodie; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brodie is survived by her sister, Bertha (George) Buckner; her niece, Lori Buckner; her nephew, Byron Buckner and his wife, Cheptoo Kositany-Buckner; her great-nieces, Chebet and Maya Buckner; and many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. Irene H. Brodie, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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