SR1100 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1100 LRB102 28284 LAW 40155 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Florida Hayden, who passed away on July 4, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden was born to Climmie Sanders Sr. and Malissa Page-Sanders in Bolton, Mississippi on March 14, 1934; she attended St. Thomas School for her primary education and graduated from Campbell College High School in Jackson, Mississippi; she received her college degree from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1956; she married Robert Alexander Hayden Jr. at Second Baptist Church in Maywood in 1960, and they had two children, Robert A. "Bobby" Hayden III and Gina L. Hayden; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden began her career as a teacher at Washington Elementary School in Maywood in 1963; she taught third grade for over 25 years, providing a strong base for her students to learn, mature, and become good citizens; she was known as a strong disciplinarian with a loving and good heart, and she treated her students as if they were her own children; she spent her remaining five or six years in education in the upper grades, even spending time as a student coordinator; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden committed to her faith at a young age; she was baptized at Saint Thomas Missionary Baptist Church; after moving from Mississippi to Illinois, she joined the Second Baptist Church in Maywood in 1958; she faithfully served the church, including offering travel and support to the Young People's Choir; she was also a member of the Women's Day Committee, where she served as both a co-chairman and chairman over the years; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden's pastimes included maintaining her lawn and flowers and keeping a well-manicured look to her home; she enjoyed former students stopping by her home for conversation and to reminisce; she will be remembered for her deep faith, her love for molding minds, and the wisdom she offered to share; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Walter Albert "Jack", David, and Climmie Jr.; and her sister, Florence Funchess; and

WHEREAS, Florida Hayden is survived by her husband, Robert; her son, Bobby; her daughter, Gina; her grandson, Justin (Heather); her great-grandson, Landon; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many students; 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 Florida Hayden 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 Florida Hayden as an expression of our deepest sympathy.