SR1120 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1120 LRB098 20946 GRL 58594 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Thornal "T" Gilbert Washington; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington was born on May 28, 1924 in Texarkana, Texas; his parents were Jessie and Ella Washington; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington was a graduate of Dunbar High School in Texarkana, Texas and earned his bachelor's degree from Governors State University; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington united with the Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago Heights under the leadership of the late pastor J. Gentry Horace; he was a member and Chairman of the church's Trustee Board for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington was employed by the State of Illinois for 50 years; he organized the Chicago Heights Community Center at the request of Governor Jim Thompson; in 1960, he organized and established the Chicago Heights Community Youth Committee; from 1968 to 1973, he served as a community service worker for the Department of Corrections Juvenile Division; in 1974, he served as liaison for Bloom, Thornton, and Rich High Schools to address the issues of student unrest, drugs, vandalism, and assault; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington was a member of numerous civic organizations, including the Chicago Heights Improvement Association, the advisory board for Girl Scout Troop 621, the Chicago Heights Planning Commission, the Chicago Heights Community Choir, and the South Suburban Law and Order Committee; he also worked with Jesse Owens in sponsoring a program called Junior Sports Jamboree; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Nathaniel, Joseph, Oscar, and Elmer; and 4 sisters, Eva, Gladys, Beatrice, and Opal; and

WHEREAS, Thornal Washington is survived by his wife, Opal; one daughter, Gail (David) Johnson; one son, Victor; 2 grandchildren, Roger Elliott and Victoria (Andre') Piper; 2 great-grandchildren, Xavier Piper and Darian Piper; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Thornal Gilbert Washington; and be it further

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