HR0951 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0951 LRB101 23378 LAW 74580 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Eula B. Conyears, who passed away on January 3, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears was born in Marianna, Arkansas to Pastor Silas and Everlina Rupert on January 28, 1949; she attended Brickeys Junior High School and Anna Strong High School in Marianna, Arkansas; she married James Henry Conyears Jr. in Brickeys, Arkansas in 1964, and he preceded her in death; together, they moved to Chicago in August 1964; she earned a license in cosmetology from Kennedy King College, an associate's degree from Wright College, and a bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears worked at Kerr Glass Company from 1970 to 1994; while there, she was actively involved with the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America Union (UE), where she served as a union trustee from 1988 to 1990 and union steward from 1990 to 1994; after the abrupt relocation of Kerr Glass Company to another state in 1995, she worked at the family business, Rupert's Restaurant; she then worked in the Accounting Department of FedEx from 1995 to 2010; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears committed to her faith at an early age; she was baptized under the leadership of her father at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Marianna, Arkansas; she later joined the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Chicago, where she served as a member of the Usher Board, the president of the Gospel Chorus, and a member of the mid-day bible class; she was known to be one of the top fundraisers for the church; she was crowned Mrs. Mt. Vernon during the 1990s; she coordinated many of the church's various trips, which included destinations as close as Arcola and as far as Hot Springs, Arkansas and Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears was known as a bible scholar, prayer warrior, and confidante; she loved her family; she became the coordinator of the annual Rupert family reunion in 2003; she was the family road driver, driving cross country for up to 20 hours; during her retirement, she enjoyed going to lunch and watching movies with friends; she was supportive of everyone, and her presence was often seen on Facebook while providing encouragement to preachers, family, and friends; she will be missed; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings, Edna Mae, Silas Jr., Beatrice, Idella, John, and Willie; and

WHEREAS, Eula Conyears is survived by her daughters, Lisa Conyears, Doris Conyears, and Melissa Conyears-Ervin (Jason); her grandchildren, Shaquille Lakeith Cockrell, Shawn Coburn, Jr., Shamar Silas Coburn, and Jeneva Claudette Ervin; her great-grandchild, Malcolm Messiah Cockrell; her sisters, Maggie Williams, Ethel Brooks, Dovie Randle, and Doris Rupert; her brother, Clarence (Judy) Rupert; all of her nieces and nephews; her very special friends from Kerr Glass Company, Edna Weatherspoon and Kathleen Ardson; her prayer partner, John Taylor; and her friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Eula B. Conyears 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 Eula Conyears as an expression of our deepest sympathy.