HR0686 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0686 LRB103 40178 LAW 71995 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Chezzie Beatrice Smith; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith was born to Ernest Neal Sr. and L. Amanda (Brooks) Neal in Tillar, Arkansas on January 10, 1944; she married Willie Williams in 1961, and they had two daughters, Shirley Williams and Deborah Williams; approximately 12 years later, she moved to Chicago; while there, she met and married John Smith, who helped raise her daughters until his passing in 1988; while on a bus trip to Arkansas, she met Richard Anderson, and they remained companions until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith held several jobs at manufacturing companies, including Zenith TV and Dynamic Products; in her later years, she returned to working and was employed through Easter Seals and at the Austin Senior Satellite Center for a short time; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith loved cooking; in between jobs, she would prepare and sell lunches and dinners to neighbors and local businesses in the area; she worked at several restaurants, where she insisted that they incorporate soul food on the menu, and she also managed her own restaurant on Chicago Avenue inside of the landmark Citizens Bank Building on Laramie for a few years; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith was an active member of Pleasant Valley, Great True Vine, and Rock Of Ages Baptist Church, where she served on the Mother's Board; she always served on the Cooking Committee at the churches she attended over the years; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith loved listening to gospel music, and her favorite performers included Lee Williams, Darius Price, Tasha Cobbs, and Jekalyn Carr; she also loved playing cards, going to the casino, listening to old school music, and dancing; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith was a devoted mother and grandmother who was known for being the life of the party at every gathering, an empathetic caregiver, and an unyielding spirit; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Willie Williams; her second husband, John Smith; her sister, Ruthie Lee; her brothers, Ernest Neal and Huey P. Neal; and several nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Chezzie Smith is survived by her partner, Richard Anderson; her daughters, Shirley Williams and Deborah (Larry) Williams-Thurmond; her sister, Evelyn Jones; her grandchildren, Chezina Williams, Monchez Williams, Montrail Oliver, and Janeicia Williams; her great-grandchildren, Zankia, Jamir, Meeghan, Aaron, Laparish, and M.J.; her special cousin, Erma Given; her longtime friends, Rene, Betty, and Dean; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Chezzie Beatrice Smith 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 Chezzie Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.