SR0824 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0824 LRB098 17121 MST 52208 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Isabella C. "Madear" (nee Connolly) Taylor of Chicago, who passed away on January 5, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor was born on August 11, 1909 to Toney and Lena Connolly in Savage, Mississippi; she married Luke Taylor on April 12, 1931; she received her teaching certificate from the State of Mississippi in 1930 and began teaching even before earning her high school diploma, which she received in 1950; she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1959 from Mississippi Industrial College; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor began her teaching career in a "one room schoolhouse", including Prichard Elementary School in Tunica, Mississippi; she then taught at Rosa Fort Elementary School from 1961 until her retirement in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 1974 and became a life-time member; she was the oldest living soror in the State of Illinois and was featured as the cover girl in the March 2013 issue of Zeta Tau Zeta's magazine, and in late 2013, the Isabella C. Taylor Scholarship was created in honor for her services and commitment to education; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor settled in Chicago in the mid-1970s and joined the Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she was involved in many church auxiliaries, including the Missionary Society, the Young at Heart, and the Stewardess Board; she served as the Stewardess Chaplain of the Third Episcopal District for several decades; she taught Sunday school, authored songs, and traveled regularly to church conferences to deliver speeches and helped to raise funds by entering her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren in the annual baby contest; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor had an undeniable commitment to her family as well as to education; she attended the graduation ceremonies for all family members from elementary to graduate schools, including medical and law schools; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor was known for her inspirational words and expressions, which were displayed in churches, schools, newspapers, and on television; her first play was performed at age 16; in 1980, she appeared on PBS to represent her sorority and recite original works of poetry; from 1996 through 2000, she authored 2 poetry books and a book of prose and one of her poems won second-place at the Gwendolyn Brooks Writer's Conference; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor kept her razor-sharp intellect throughout her years by completing 10 to 12 crossword puzzles daily and playing solitaire and Scrabble regularly on her computer; she also kept active as an Avon representative, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a member of the Mississippi Teachers's Association, a founding member of Tunica's Homemakers Club, and as a Girl Scout Brownie Leader; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor was preceded in death by her husband, Luke, and her sons, Menrose T. Hall, Vernice T. Brownlee, and Calvin Taylor; and

WHEREAS, Isabella Taylor is survived by her children, LeeDale Taylor, Marjorie James, Hosea Taylor, CL (Irene) Taylor, Doretha Walker, Eunice Hobbs, and Melvin (Renee) Taylor; her sisters, Ora Mae Rushing and Fannie Taylor; her 35 grandchildren; her 72 great-grandchildren; her 25 great-great-grandchildren; her son-in-law, Thomas O. Brownlee, Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Sonia Taylor; and a host of other relatives, sorors, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Isabella C. "Madear" Taylor, 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 Isabella Taylor as an expression of our deepest sympathy.