SR0205 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0205 LRB098 11618 GRL 44012 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robbie Jean Mangum Sykes; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes was born on August 29, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee; her parents were Deacon Robert and Julia Hess Mangum; she married Dr. Reginald Sykes in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes attended Memphis Public Schools and the famous Booker T. Washington High School; she then earned a full 4-year scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education; she was active in many social and academic clubs on campus and served as one of the soloists in the college's renowned Vesper Choir; she was chosen for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and later went on to attend Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes began her teaching career in Memphis; she later began a four-decade long teaching career at Betsy Ross Elementary in Chicago; she subsequently taught primary grades at Bryn Mawr School (later Bouchet Math and Science Academy); she retired from Bouchet in 2005 after many years of service; following her retirement, she enjoyed teaching her grandchildren in the basement of her home; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes was a greatly demanded and highly regarded soloist throughout Chicago and Memphis; her wide-ranging repertoire included classical and gospel selections; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes was an active and dedicated member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a trustee, assistant treasurer, and treasurer; she was a member of the Gospel Chorus, the Beautifying Club, Sunday School, and the Pinkie Reid Mission Circle of Senior Mission #2; she was also a member of the Love Ensemble, a non-profit musical group, and participated in numerous civic and community activities; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes was preceded in death by her siblings, Ernest, Mary Lillie, Vivian Nell, Louis, and James; and

WHEREAS, Robbie Sykes is survived by her loving husband, Reginald; her children, Regina Sykes-Hawkins (Stephen), Rhonda Sykes-Willis (Gregory) and Reginald Sykes II (Renee); her grandchildren, Robbie, Raven, Imani, Robynn, and Reginald III; her sisters, Julia Ward (Elder Lee Ward) and Verna Jones; her brother-in-law, Larry Sykes; and her many other relatives, friends, neighbors, former students, adopted children, and her beloved W.H.G. Sisters; 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 Robbie Jean Mangum Sykes; and be it further

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