HR0612 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0612 LRB103 39550 MST 69794 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Mother Gladys "Sweet" Ivory of Peoria, who passed away on February 6, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory was born in York, Alabama to Tom Sr. and Armetta (Pearson) Sturdivant on November 8, 1937; she married Pastor Jeffery Ivory Sr. in Meridian, Mississippi on August 20, 1953; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory worked at Caterpillar for 34 years; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory was the First Lady at Grace Baptist Church for over 50 years; she served on the women's ministry and was a member of the Voices of Heaven choir; she loved singing and was known for her melody arrangements of praise and worship songs during devotion on Sunday mornings; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory loved spending time with her family and wearing stylish hats; she enjoyed knitting, cooking, singing, and bowling in a league; she was known for her loving and compassionate heart, being the type of person who would take in someone in need, and she helped mentor young women gain life skills through the Valeska Hinton GED program; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jeffery; her parents; her son, Jeffery Ivory Jr.; her daughter, Erica Ivory; her sisters, Dorothy Lard and Annie Nelson; her granddaughter, Glenda Cayson; and her grandson, Troy Irving Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Mother Ivory is survived by her sons, Ricky (Carolyn) Ivory, Larry (Janis) Ivory, Rodney (Jennifer) Ivory, and Darren Ivory; her daughters, Lorraine (William) Sephus, Beverly Cameron, Teresa (Lonnie) Ivory-Hayes, and Ariel Ivory; 21 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mother Gladys "Sweet" Ivory 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 Mother Ivory as an expression of our deepest sympathy.