HR0546 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0546 LRB102 21314 LAW 30426 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Josie Mae Smith, who passed away on October 25, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith was born to Joseph and Lula Bell Williams in Dancy, Alabama on June 24, 1925; she was raised in Aliceville, Alabama; she married Hayes Smith Sr. in Alabama on June 25, 1943, and they had 11 children; she moved to Chicago in November 1948; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith was employed at Olivet Community Center for over 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith committed to her faith at an early age in Alabama and joined the Cannon Baptist Church; after she moved to Chicago, she joined the Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued to be a member until her passing; she served on the Nurses' Board in 1975 and remained faithful to the Nurses' Board Ministry for 46 years; she was appointed to the Mothers' Board as the second oldest mother of the church in June 2021; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith was known to many as "Ms. Union" due to her pleasingly graceful, stylish appearance and manner; she always loved modeling at church events; she also loved traveling and all types of crafting; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith was preceded in death by her husband; her sons, Sammie Sr., Michael, Hayes Smith Jr., Dale Knox, and Willie Davis Smith; her daughter, Hattie Mae; her parents; her brothers, Ben, Joseph, Willie Earl, and John; her sisters, Anne Mae, Myra, Laura, Lartha, and Willie Mae; and

WHEREAS, Josie Smith is survived by her children, Alonzo (Doris), Harvey (Pamela), Anthony (Kathy), Denver, Derrick, Norma Jean, Shirley (Preston), and Michelle; her sister, Martha Williams; her daughters-in-law, Viola and Colette; her 47 grandchildren; her 89 great-grandchildren; her 35 great-great-grandchildren; her goddaughters, Linda Moore and Sadie Alexander; and her one godson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Josie Mae Smith and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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