HR0551 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0551 LRB102 21406 MST 30522 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Fitzgerald Barrington Davis, who passed away on November 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis was born to Barrington and Gwendolyn Davis on May 15, 1944; as a child, he had an interest in engineering and construction, and at the age of 13, he started training with one of his community's finest carpenters; he attended Rennock Lodge Government School and graduated from Saint Ann Technical Trade School; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis held several different positions in both the private and public sectors; early in his career, he worked as a contractor for Gores Brothers and was regarded as one of the best in his profession; he was recruited to a supervisory position with the Pioneer Corporation and ultimately served as a contractor for the Roads and Works Department in Kingston, Jamaica, where he oversaw the development of critical infrastructure projects and roads in and around the Kingston area; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis understood that his job was more than just repairing roads and buildings and could benefit underserved families through community development and jobs; he created programs to help young people learn trades and develop their skills; he subsequently employed many of these young people and provided them with opportunities for growth, which improved the quality of life for residents and strengthened his community; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis sought opportunities to empower others and to care for the most vulnerable people in his community; his advocacy for underserved populations led him to a career in politics; he was chairman of the People's National Party and was the youth leader for the Rennock Lodge Youth Organization; during his time as chairman, he worked with government leaders to improve conditions for children and families in Kingston; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis immigrated to the United States in January of 1981 and settled in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago with his wife and children; his first job was with St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, followed by a position with a tuckpointing company; he then worked for the Village of Glencoe for 16 years, retiring in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis continued to serve his community as a volunteer for numerous nonprofit organizations after his retirement; he was also actively involved with the Democratic Party of Evanston and worked as a crossing guard for the city; he deeply enjoyed serving as a crossing guard and woke up each morning looking forward to seeing the children along his path and brightening their day with words of encouragement or a witty quip that made them smile; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis was an elder at First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston and then became an Elder at Deliverance Temple Church in Skokie; his faith was the driving force in his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, unconditional love, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Davis is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sonia Davis; his daughters, Rose Scott and Karen Davis; his sons, Byron (Marie) Davis, Lloyd (Loraine) Davis, and Dave (Tara) Davis; his grandchildren, Klarissa Davis, Lloyd Davis Jr., Kayla Davis, Leah Davis, Theo Davis, and Steven Davis; his great-grandchildren, Ivy and Oakley; his brothers, Philip and Chris Davis; his sisters, Deloris Scott, Beverly Burnett, and Angela Lodge; and numerous other loving relatives and friends; 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 Fitzgerald Barrington Davis 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 Fitzgerald Davis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.