HR1027 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1027 LRB098 21026 MST 58723 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Frances Louise (nee Cain) Walker, who passed away on April 10, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker was born on June 9, 1929 in Athens, Alabama to James Cain and Sallie Mae (nee Sandifer) Cain; she attended schools in Alabama and Rockford and married Era Walker in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker worked at the former Illinois Bell telephone company for 15 years; she was also an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and worked as a medical assistant to Dr. Fonvielle, Dr. Roberts, and Dr. Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker was a devoted member of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1949; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker was a tireless advocate for youth; she mentored, taught, and encouraged hundreds of youth throughout her life for a number of faith and community-based organizations; she helped sponsor youth for a trip around the world; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker was well-known for her community work with the National Council for Negro Women, assisting in local efforts to increase African-American participation in the United States Census and voting; she worked diligently in helping to coordinate the Annual Black Family Reunion and promoted efforts to help women become self-sufficient; she was a founding board member of the Hunger Coalition with her efforts resulting in raising tens of thousands of dollars to help alleviate hunger in Rockford and its vicinity; and

WHEREAS, The Frances Walker Scholarship Fund has been established with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois in her honor; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Era Walker; her parents; her sister, Lillye (Cain) Saulters; her son, Cyrus Walker; and her son-in-law, Robert Cook; and

WHEREAS, Frances Walker is survived by her children, Otis Walker, Ardis (Robert) Cook, and Elizabeth (The Rev. Larry) Smith; grandchildren, Tiana (Kristophere') Owens, Marisha (Robin) Harris, M.D., and Elyssa, Lauren, and Erin Smith; great-granddaughters, Madison Owens and Olivia Harris; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Frances Louise Walker, 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 Frances Walker as an expression of our deepest sympathy.