SR0356 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0356 LRB096 13405 GRL 28132 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jewel Mary Elizabeth French, who passed away on June 13, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French was born on November 19, 1954 in Chicago; her parents were the late Montana and Gertrude Harper; she married Vernie French Jr. on April 19, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French attended Betsy Ross Elementary School, William W. Carter Middle School, and Simeon High School; she then earned her associate's degree from Truman College; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French was employed in the medical field for over 20 years; in 2007, she began her own business, "Sacred Service Document Preparation", which assists the elderly with the preparation of various documents; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French accepted Christ at an early age; as a child, she attended Gorham Methodist Church, where she sang in the church choir; as her spiritual journey progressed, she was led to the teachings of the Catholic faith; in 1992, she joined the St. Sabina Church, where she was involved in numerous ministries, including the Worship & Praise and Sacristan Ministries; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French enjoyed singing, roller skating, sewing, and watching "CSI: Miami"; she also enjoyed performing volunteer work with the elderly; and

WHEREAS, Jewel French is survived by her daughters, Tasha (Reginald) and Janine; her grandchildren, Aaron and Rihanna; her sister, Lois Moses; her brothers, Warner D. Harper, Elston H. Harper, and Michael Harper; her aunt, Mary E. Smith; her nieces, Karen, Warnetta, Lana, and Tameka; her nephews, Michael, Termain, Mileak, and Michael Lee; her great-nieces, Brittany, Ashley, Grace, Mia, and Mya; her great-nephews, Mikal, Mileak Jr., Elijah, Lashawn, and Liam; her best friend, Judy Simms; and her many other relatives, friends, and St. Sabina family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Jewel Mary Elizabeth French; and be it further

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