SR0962 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0962 LRB102 27189 LAW 38775 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of E.V. "Vickie" Griffith of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith was born to Abraham Crump Sr. and Ophelia (Boyd) Crump in Pickens, Mississippi on January 8, 1936; she attended Boyd Elementary School and graduated from East Yazoo Negro High School in 1954; she relocated to Chicago to join her siblings, pursue better opportunities, and escape the perils of the segregated South; upon relocation, she was lovingly nicknamed "Vickie"; she married Howard Hayes Griffith on September 25, 1956, and they had three daughters, Debra, Rochelle, and Javonna; they built their forever home "9447" on 94th and Normal in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith began her career at Mt. Sinai Hospital; she then worked at Majestic Mills Paper Company alongside her sister, Laura, for over 30 years; they woke up in the early hours of the morning, dressed to impress, and drove many miles to work together; after many faithful and dedicated years of service, she retired from Majestic Mills in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith committed to her faith from an early age, joining the Strangers Home M.B. Church in Pickens, Mississippi; she joined Lilydale Progressive M.B. Church in Chicago in 1965, where she remained a member until her death and was a dedicated, active member of the Willing Workers Club and the Senior Choir and a faithful attendant of Sunday School; she enjoyed attending church wearing her Sunday best and the times of fellowship with her church family; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith was a true peacemaker and a woman full of wisdom; she was an original fashionista and loved all things glamor; she loved her family, doted on her daughters, and was devoted to taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren after retirement; she will be remembered for always offering a sweet word of encouragement and serving as a counselor to all; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; her parents; her brother, Abraham Crump Jr.; her twin brother, A.V. Crump; and her sister, Laura (John) Collins; and

WHEREAS, Vickie Griffith is survived by her daughters, Debra (Oluyomi) Popoola, Rochelle (Floyd) Pope, and Javonna (Anthony) Burton; her grandchildren, Roshunda (Cleven) Cook, Shavonna Harris, Patrice (Philip) Edwards, Oluwakemi (Qadir) Fareed, Remilekun Popoola, Anthony Burton, and Joshua Burton; her great-grandchildren, Quinshada, Nia, Niila, Justus, Riley, and Malia; her great-great-grandchild, Corynne; her sisters, Ruth Bruno and Savannah Mason; her sister-in-law, Hallie B. Crump; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of E.V. "Vickie" Griffith 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 Vickie Griffith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.