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SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to  
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learn of the death of
Samuel Gilliams, Jr., who passed away on 
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November 27, 2009; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. was born on January 10, 1929, 
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in Jonestown, Mississippi; his parents were Samuel and Edna 
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Gilliams; he met and married Magnolia Spruille in 1957; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. moved to Chicago at an early 
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age; after moving, he attended Wendell Phillips Public School; 
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and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. served his country with pride 
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and distinction as a member of the United States Army during 
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the Korean War; he was honorably discharged from the Army in 
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1953; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. was employed at Namsco, Inc. 
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for 17 years; he went on to work for Eastern Airlines, where he 
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retired in 1987 after 17 years of service; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. was a loyal member of Group 
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No. 3 of the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the 
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leadership of Rev. Dr. Edwin Simmons, whom he loved dearly; he 
 


 






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was particularly proud of his service as Co-Chairperson of the 
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church's 63rd and the pastor's 27th anniversary celebration in 
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2009; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Samuel Gilliams, Jr. is survived by his loving 
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wife of 52 years, Magnolia; his daughters, Sharon D. Smith and 
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Diedre Matthews (fiance, Clarence); his son, Sidney (Julie); 
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his granddaughter, Kyla Matthews; his sister, Willa Neely 
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(Dalandis Sr.); his uncles, Tommie Lyles and Robert Lyles Sr. 
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(Janie); and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; 
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therefore, be it
  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL 
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ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with 
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his family and friends, the passing of Samuel Gilliams, Jr.; 
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and be it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to the family of Samuel Gilliams, Jr. as an 
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expression of our sympathy.