HR1083 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1083 LRB097 21641 GRL 69940 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Veronica Spearman Williams on the occasion of her retirement as a teacher at Lilly-Freeman Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams was born in St. Louis, Missouri; her parents are O.B. and Freddie Mae Spearman Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams attended school in East St. Louis School District 189; after graduating from East St. Louis Sr. High School, she attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville on a 4-year scholarship, where she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education; she also attended State Community College of East Saint Louis, where she received the title of 1972-1973 Homecoming Queen and earned her associate's degree; she subsequently earned a master's degree in elementary education and early childhood from SIU-Edwardsville and another master's degree in teacher leadership from McKendree College; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams is a past professional plus size model with Big is Beautiful; she was also President of Eta Kappa Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a member of Eastern Star Francis 119, and an inductee of Phi Delta Kappa; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams was honored by the Top Ladies of Distinction of East St. Louis as Orchard to Role Model; she is also a member of the National Black Women Association and is a recipient of the Apple Teacher Award from the Iota Zeta in St, Louis, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams began her journey in East St. Louis School District 189 at the age of 23; she has served in School District 189 for 37 years, with 19 years as a Countdown and Title 1 Teacher and 18 years as a classroom teacher; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams has 6 godchildren, Sherry Spearman-Howell, Rosejay Ross Campbell, Meka Watkins, Delvin Fort, Skyler Conner, and Keith Jones; and

WHEREAS, Veronica Spearman Williams serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Veronica Spearman Williams on the occasion of her retirement and wish her many happy and healthy retirement years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Veronica Spearman Williams as a symbol of our esteem and respect.