SR0171 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0171 LRB104 12711 LAW 23603 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Marvelle Robertson, who passed away on March 2, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 1, 1926; she was raised by her maternal grandparents, William "Papa" and Lillian "Mama" Buckner, who bestowed upon her the values of discipline, education, and reverence of faith; she later moved to Chicago with her lifelong friends, Myrtle Hilliard and Sarah Skinner; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson, at the age of 19, began working for Western Electric in Cicero after applying on a whim and being hired on the spot; her work started on the assembly line before blossoming into a groundbreaking career; through determination and the support of a tuition reimbursement program, she earned both her bachelor's degree and her Master of Business Administration from Roosevelt University; she became a pioneer in the corporate world as her dedication and intellect propelled her into management at AT&T, where she thrived until her early retirement during the company's divestiture; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson was a savvy real estate investor, building a portfolio of properties in Hyde Park, Lakeview, and Chicago's Gold Coast and securing a legacy of stability and independence; after her distinguished career, she moved from a home she built in Hinsdale to the Hancock Residences, where she was a beloved resident for 25 years and fully embraced the vibrancy of city life, strolling along the Magnificent Mile, enjoying outdoor concerts at Millennium Park, and savoring jazz performances in the Museum of Contemporary Art courtyard; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson remained steadfastly committed to her family; as a single mother, her greatest joy and purpose were her children, Mark and Toi, and she worked tirelessly to provide for them, ensuring they had every opportunity to succeed; in her later years, she was the devoted caregiver of her grandfather, who lived with her in Chicago until his passing in 1991 at the age of 105; every year thereafter, she honored his memory by celebrating his birthday with her children, a tradition that reflected her deep respect for family and heritage; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she was active in the Liberty Baptist Business and Professional Club and had the privilege of hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak at the church in the 1960s; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson's love for French culture was inspired by Josephine Baker, leading her to study the French language, decorate her home with French art, and create cherished memories in Paris; and

WHEREAS, Marvelle Robertson was a trailblazer, a devoted mother, and a woman of profound faith whose life was a beacon of perseverance, grace, and unwavering love; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marvelle Robertson 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 Marvelle Robertson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.