SR0077 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0077 LRB098 10391 GRL 40580 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Sylvia B. Washington, who passed away on January 11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington was born on March 4, 1956; her parents were James and Leora Branch; she married Aaron Washington on July 11, 1987; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington graduated from Dunbar High School in 1974; she subsequently attended Daley College to pursue an associate's degree; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington worked at the Core of Engineers, Continental Bank, and Heller Financial until she accepted a position as a part-time receptionist for Chicago 18th Ward Alderman Thomas Murphy, where she served faithfully for 14 years; through her dedication to the 18th Ward, she later became the 40th Precinct captain and assistant to the Alderman; as assistant to the Alderman, her duties included taking complaints and taking city service and infrastructure requests from 18th Ward residents; and

WHEREAS, Upon the election of Chicago 18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane, Sylvia Washington joined her staff and served as Chief of Staff of the 18th Ward Alderman for 5 years; throughout her service with Alderman Lane, she worked on obtaining various infrastructure projects for the community, such as repairs to the streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and obtaining new street lights; she sat on the board of directors for Wrightwood Community Development Corporation and served as Commissioner for Southwest Guaranteed Home Equity; she worked closely with developers on planning new schools, dialysis centers, Ultra Foods stores, and restaurants; she also planned and scheduled the alderman's daily meetings; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Pastor Otis Moss III; in her youth, she sang lead in the family choir, gave prophecy, and delivered sermons; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father and stepfather; her 2 brothers; and her sister; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Washington will be dearly missed by her mother, Leora Lockett; her husband, Aaron Washington; her siblings, Aaron Branch (Deborah), Doretha Davis (Michael), Betty Sanders, Cynthia Smith, Shelia Jackson (Jack), Caryscine Branch (Juanita), Kevin Branch, Kenneth Branch, and Christopher Branch; her 29 nephews and nieces; and her many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Sylvia B. Washington; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sylvia Washington as an expression of our sympathy.