HR0684 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0684 LRB094 14856 DRH 49858 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois were saddened to learn of the death of Ella Jean Jefferson on October 9, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Ella Jean Jefferson was born on July 11, 1933 to the union of Eugene and Lillian Peel; Ella was united in holy matrimony to Marvin Jefferson of Memphis, Tennessee; this union was a family of love and compassion that included seven children; this devoted and loving marriage flourished for 45 years until Marvin departed to glory; and

WHEREAS, Ella was educated in the Chicago Public School system, attending Abbott Elementary and Englewood High School; most of her education centered on working with the development of children; she received several certificates and awards; and

WHEREAS, Ella possessed the ability to work with complex families; her love and destiny work was that of a foster parent for the Department of Children and Family Services; she was grandmother to more than 44 children throughout the Illinois region in the Department of Children and Family Services; in addition, she provided counseling and role modeling for parents to help them to obtain good and effective parenting skills; and

WHEREAS, Ella was a pillar of strength to her family, her church members, and anyone who had the fortune to come into her presence; her professional trade was upholstery, and she worked as a seamstress; she was an entrepreneur who manufactured new and used furniture; and

WHEREAS, Ella was baptized and attended Greater Harvest Church; it was a wonderful beginning to her journey in Christ, 38 years ago; she served in the ministry of music and was the wife of a deacon; and

WHEREAS, Ella was preceded in death by one of her children, Linell; she leaves to celebrate her life and legacy: one sister Joan Marie Collier; 2 brothers, Eugene Peel and Darryl Dokes; 6 children Paula, Armel, Cassandra, Sharon, Shreen, and Carolyn; a special friend, Annie Mae Barnes; 29 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that that we mourn the death of Ella Jean Jefferson and extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and community; and be it further

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