SR0982 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Genevieve Rockingham of North Chicago, who passed away on September 2, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Rockingham was born on November 28, 1922 in Florence, Alabama; her parents were Sarah and William Gray; she married Leon Rockingham, Sr. in 1949; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Rockingham accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Florence; after graduating from Burrell High School, she moved with her mother to North Chicago in 1946 to join her other siblings who had previously migrated north; upon arriving in North Chicago, she became a faithful member of First Baptist Church in North Chicago under Pastor E. J. Coles; as a member for 70 years and one of the oldest members of First Baptist Church, she served in the Mission, the choir, the mother's board, Sunday school, and many other church programs throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Rockingham worked for a short time at the E.S.O. at Great Lakes; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Rockingham was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon; her daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Rockingham; and her 11 sisters and brothers, Annie, Theodore, Sylvia, Bill, Sarah, Alonzo, Pearline, Alsene, Joe Henry, Hattie May, and Jack; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Rockingham is survived by her daughter, Nina Rockingham Tate; her son, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.; her grandchildren, Tameka (Sean) Wilson, Lea Rockingham, and Matthew Tate; her great-grandchildren, Brianna Rockingham and David, Terryn, and Cameron Wilson; and her many nephews, nieces, other relatives, and dear friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with her family and friends, mourn the passing of Genevieve Rockingham; and be it further

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