SR1917 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1917 LRB099 21994 GRL 49091 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Estella "Stella" Smith, who passed away on May 16, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith was born on December 30, 1937 in Minter City, Mississippi; her parents were Eugene and Susie Mae Williams; she moved with her family to Chicago in 1940 when she was three years old; she married Benjamin "BJ" Smith in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith attended Raymond Elementary School and Wendell Phillips High School; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith was the owner and managing operator of the Historic Queen of the Sea Restaurant on the south side of Chicago; for more than 30 years, she provided employment and opportunities to many young men and women in the community, often giving them the second chance they could not find anywhere else; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith was baptized at Greater Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as an usher for many dedicated years; she later became a member of the New Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith often cooked and provided meals for neighbors and those less fortunate; she loved to cook, nurture, and entertain; she also enjoyed spending time with her family; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith was preceded in death by her parents; her children, Valerie and Cheryl; her siblings, Robert, Stevie, and Raymond; her grandson, Eric; and her great-grandchild, Ma'hari; and

WHEREAS, Estella Smith is survived by her children, Helen, Mary Ann (Rev. Mitchell Bryant), Benjamin, Jr., and Anthony; her siblings, Hattie (Lott Cherry), Eugene (Darcelle), and Michael; her grandchildren, Erica (Rev. Scottie Williams), Tameca (Andre), Alecia (Jamaal), Angel, Chante, Monica, Antesha, and Anthony, Jr.; her great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Asha, Kayla, Olivia, Anthony III, Myracle, Anaegionna, Malik, and La'coreion; and 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 her family and friends, mourn the passing of Estella "Stella" Smith; and be it further

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