SR0620 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0620 LRB102 21259 LAW 30370 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Betty Maria Harwell, who passed away on October 22, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell was born to Jesse and Melodia "Melody" Brister in Bogalusa, Louisiana on January 25, 1943; she attended Corpus Christi Elementary School and St. Thomas Apostle High School, both in Chicago; she married Lawrence W. Harwell Jr. on November 17, 1962, and he preceded her in death in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell previously worked at Zenith Electronics and Libby's; she later worked at the Wrigley Company; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell was deeply committed to her faith and was a dedicated member of St. Sabina Catholic Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, a Eucharistic minister, and a member of the hospitality ministry; she belonged to the leadership committee of the 106-Block Club in Chicago, and she was a social justice advocate and a firm believer in cultivating healthy communities; she enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell never ceased to learn and grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally; she was an avid champion for being the change you want to see in the world; she leaves behind a great legacy of strength, wisdom, faith, and togetherness; she was greatly loved and will be missed by many; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her siblings, Charles Brister and Melvin Morgan; and

WHEREAS, Betty Harwell is survived by her siblings, Joseph Brister, Johnetta Morgan, Victor Morgan, Mary Morgan, Barbara Morgan, Carl Morgan, Yolanda Morgan, Linda Morgan, and Yvette Morgan; her children, Bryant L. Harwell (Patricia), Eric V. Harwell (Robyn), and Derrick A. Harwell (Sherizod); the children she shared with her husband, Beverly Ryan, LeRoy Harwell, and Marvin Nunn (Cynthia); and her many grandchildren and great-children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Betty Maria Harwell 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 Betty Harwell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.