SR0970 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0970 LRB099 14292 GRL 38376 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ernest Jones, who passed away on September 2, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones was born on June 15, 1928 in Poplar Grove, Arkansas; his parents were Paul and Elenora Jones; after his mother's passing, he was raised by his stepmother, Olivia Jones; and

WHEREAS, In 1949, Ernest Jones and his family left Arkansas for Cairo; while living in Cairo he met the love of his life, Ernestine Baker, whom he married on January 26, 1951; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Ernest Jones moved to Maywood to make a better life for his children after the passing of his beloved wife; after 4 years of hard work and perseverance, he drove to Cairo with his sister Pearl and returned with all 8 children, whom he raised with pride and love; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones put effort and dignity into his work as a machine operator for Stanadyne, but had a true passion for his work training and breaking show horses; his love for animals continued into his old age; some of his granddaughters can even remember him taking the time to feed stray cats around his apartment; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones was a lover of politics and a staunch Democrat; he actively served as Campaign Manager for the first African-American president-elect of Cook County and his first cousin, John H. Stroger; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones had strong faith in God and received Christ and religion at an early age while in Cairo; after moving to Maywood, he continued his fellowship by joining the Garden of Prayer Church of Broadview under the leadership of Pastor Johnnie Haynie; he served as a Deacon and was a faithfully active member of the church; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones was preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine; a daughter, Linda Jo; 2 sons, Terry and Gregory; 2 grandsons, Gary Lee, Jr. and Ernest Keys; 2 brothers, Joseph and Paul, Jr.; and 7 sisters, Buella Mae, Ruby, Pearl, Louise, Lois, Lena, and Roberta; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Jones is survived by 4 sons, Wendell, Bruce, Vincent, and Christopher (Jackie); 3 daughters, Phyllis, Shirlene (Lemmie), and Wanda; 2 brothers, James (Connie) and Ronnie; 6 sisters, Vivian, Brenda, Barbara, Shirlene (Carl), and Linda Faye (Greg); 35 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Ernest Jones; and be it further

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