SR0536 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0536 LRB103 34925 LAW 64801 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wyonia Nix Coleman, who passed away on October 13, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman was born to Sidney L. Nix Sr. and Lela R. Nix in Coatopa, Alabama on September 9, 1945; she committed to her faith at an early age and was baptized at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Coatopa; she received her education through the Belmont school system; after her high school graduation, she moved to New Jersey to seek employment; she later moved to and settled in Waukegan, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman married George Phelps, and they had two children together, Susan and Tina, and raised an older daughter, Erma; later in life, she had her last child, Lynette; she married Sheriff Perry Coleman, and he preceded her in death; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman was employed with Naval Station Great Lakes at Galley 535 for 25 years and Baxter's Food Service Aramark for 20 years before retiring; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman eventually joined and became a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Mother's Board and wherever she was needed; she was fondly known as "Mother Coleman" by her fellow parishioners; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman, affectionately known as "Doll Baby", loved giving and feeding whomever was in need; she possessed a strong work ethic, a skill she passed on to her children and siblings; she will be remembered for her beautiful smile, for bestowing kind words to all, and for loving her family dearly; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Corine Chambers; and her brothers, Sidney Nix Jr., Henry L. Nix, John W. Nix, Selton Nix, and Elmer Nix; and

WHEREAS, Wyonia Coleman is survived by her daughters, Erma Graham, Susan (Kevin Hall) Phelps, Tina Phelps, and Lynette Phelps; her grandchildren, Mikayla Hall, Liam Phelps, Lybria Phelps, Antonio Waller Jr., and Lela Phelps; her great-grandchild, Lamyah Phelps; her brothers, Joseph (Mattie) Nix and Bennett (Rosie) Nix; her sisters, Doris (Bernard) Nix and Deborah (Rod) Stinson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended Wheeler family members, and church family; her best friends, Mary Cunningham and Mary Darden; and many other friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Wyonia Nix Coleman 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 Wyonia Coleman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.