SR0576 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0576 LRB100 12713 MST 27363 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of William "Bill" James Carothers Sr., who passed away on April 5, 2017; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was born in Chicago to Walter and Albenda Carothers on March 29, 1929, the fifth of six children; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was educated in the Chicago Public School system; he attended Grant Elementary School, McKinley High School, and Theodore Herzl Junior College (now Malcolm X College); he married Roberta Sims in 1952; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was employed by the International Harvester Company, IC Supermarket, and the City of Chicago; he was finally employed by Habilitative Systems, Inc. for over 20 years, where he was the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Donald Dew; he also worked for Executive Director Larry T. Byrd; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was elected ward committeeman and alderman of the 28th Ward; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was a member of Original Providence Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he served as a trustee of the church for over 30 years; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was known by several names defined by his work; he gained the title "The Boss" from his political days when he organized field operations for numerous political campaigns; he earned the name "Mr. C" from the many years he worked for Habilitative Systems, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers is remembered for his love of his family and politics; he taught his sons to be men, instilling his belief with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy"; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was known for being a sharp dresser and his fine taste in suits, ties, and the pocket square; he loved the icon and creator of funk music, the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown, frequently quoting lyrics in times of challenge from such songs as "Payback" and "You got to deal with it"; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; his son, Gregory; and his daughters, Pamela and Colette; and

WHEREAS, William Carothers is survived by his wife of 64 years, Roberta; his sons, Isaac (Sharron), William Jr., and Anthony (Kathie); three grandsons; five granddaughters; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; his sisters-in-law, Anita, Cora, and Yvonne; his son-in-law, Louis; and his Original Providence Baptist family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William "Bill" James Carothers Sr., 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 William Carothers as an expression of our deepest sympathy.