SR0650 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0650 LRB096 21269 GRL 37180 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Melvin Simms Sr., who passed away on February 5, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. was born on November 26, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama; his parents were the late Laura Hutcherson and Bonnie Simms; he was raised by the late John and Alberta Springer; he married Shirley Ann Wells on January 13, 1973; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Edenborn, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, Melvin Simms Sr. graduated from German Township Senior High School; in 1966, he joined the United States Army, where he served his country as a cook until he received his honorable discharge in February of 1968; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. was an employee of the Ford Motor Company from 1968 until his retirement in 2005, after 37 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. was preceded in death by his brothers, William Simms and Richard Hutcherson, and his son, Melvin Simms Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters, Sherri Wells-Miller, Karen Wells-McGregory (Fabian), Keyarra "Tudy" Clarett, and Aishia P. Simms; his son, Craig Parham; his grandchildren, Sheree, Dynisha, Sierra, and Calib; his brothers, Joe "Bobby" Hutcherson and Larry Hutcherson; his sister, Betty; and his many other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Simms Sr. will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a kind, soft-spoken, and wise man whose love for his family and friends was unmatched; 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 Melvin Simms Sr.; and be it further

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