SR1271 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1271 LRB102 29021 ECR 40923 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Larry Chappelle Thomas, who passed away on September 2, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas was born to Faith Verdine McMichael and Alfred Thomas in Chicago on December 19, 1951; he attended various elementary schools and then Marshall High School; he married Marlita Thomas on September 23, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas began working with his stepfather in the construction industry at the age of 17; he became an expert bricklayer and tuck pointer before retiring in 2013; after retirement, he went to work for Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church, serving as a member of its Security Force until 2018; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas was a member of the same church for over 20 years, where he sang in the choir and was a member of the Praise Team; he became a member of the Church On Fire International in October 2021; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas and his wife sang at different churches, weddings, and other venues, including singing the "Star Spangled Banner" for Dr. Mildred C. Harris at the God First Ministries Heavenly Breakfast in May 2019; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas loved reading and singing; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas was preceded in death by his mother; his stepfather, George Preston; his aunt, Dorothy Lambert; his son, Shon London; and his stepson, Norman Smith Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Larry Thomas is survived by his wife; his uncle, James McMichael; his aunt, Betty Jo Collins; his cousin, Brandon Collins; his stepbrother, Johnny Green; his daughter, Shanna (Joseph) Minors Brantley; his stepdaughters, Shania (Lexis) White and Christina (Karl) Smith Williams; his stepsons, Nathanael Stubbs and George Stubbs; his grandchildren, Lashandra Davis, Joseph Brantley, and Musiq Brantley; his great-granddaughter, Solora Davis; his step-grandchildren, Stephon White, Stephen White, Ariah White, and Angel Smith; his Church on Fire International family; his Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church family; and a host of other relatives and friends; 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 Larry Chappelle Thomas 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 Larry Thomas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.