HR0398 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0398 LRB102 18932 LAW 27660 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dora Jean Nash-Foster of Chicago, who passed away on June 12, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster was born in Chicago to Jewel and Dora Mae Woods-Nash on September 28, 1944; she attended Sexton Elementary School and Jenner Elementary School; she graduated from Wells High School at the age of 16 in 1961; she earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology and her master's degree in Vocational Guidance and Counseling from Roosevelt University in Chicago; she obtained several certifications and earned many continuing education credits in a variety of subjects as she maintained her state licenses; she married Becelone Foster on December 19, 1964; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster worked in the public service sector for the majority of her life; she held a number of positions, including Audio/Visual specialist at Ogden Elementary, Education Advisor and Community Liaison at Jesse White's Community Service Center, salesperson at Sears, and case manager with the Illinois Department of Public Aid; she later became a teacher; she began as an 8th grade teacher and then taught pre-school and pre-kindergarten at Mulligan Elementary School and Manierre Elementary School before working permanently at Byrd Academy; prior to retirement, she worked as a counselor for students at Harold Washington College; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster was a faithful member of several organizations, including both the local and national P.T.A. since 1968, AFSCME and the Chicago Teacher's Unions for 30 years, the 42nd Ward Democratic Organization for over 13 years, and the Rainbow P.U.S.H. Coalition led by Reverend Jesse Jackson; she committed to her faith from a young age; she was baptized at and a charter member of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.M. Royston, where she had served as an annual tea captain, a Sunday School teacher, and a Mother's Board member; she also attended service weekly until illness no longer allowed her to be physically present; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster loved traveling, especially with her traveling buddies Barbara Smith, Joyce Brisco, and Deborah Alexander, and one of her fondest memories was traveling to her granddaughter's college graduation in New Orleans, Louisiana; she was also fluent in Spanish, and she loved demonstrating her skills when she dined at Mexican restaurants; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster was a loving, nurturing, and supportive mother and grandmother; she was a model to her family of the importance of being a lifelong learner; she affectionately referred to her granddaughters as her "boogies" and was adamant about spending time with them as they grew older; she will always be remembered for her vibrant smile, her warm heart, her African and animal print attire, and her signature red lipstick; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents; her brother, Glen Jewel "Scooter" Nash; her granddaughter, Fiona Lanese Nash; her aunts and uncles; her cousin, Patricia Bradley; and her best friend and sister, Barbara Smith; and

WHEREAS, Dora Jean Nash-Foster is survived by her sons, Craig Eugene Nash and Cary Allen Foster; her daughter-in-law, Debra Nash; her granddaughters, Serena Spring Thomas (Andrew) and Jessica Shante Nash; her great-grandson due in October 2021; her niece, Tandolyn Harris; her best friends and sisters, Mary "Mae C" Booker and Joyce Brisco; her godchildren, Andrew Brisco, Daneka Booker, and Nikki Booker; and a host of cousins, family, friends, and colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dora Jean Nash-Foster 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 Dora Jean Nash-Foster as an expression of our deepest sympathy.