SR0301 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0301 LRB103 32483 LAW 61980 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule, who passed away on August 12, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was born to Wesley B. Witherspoon Sr. and Cleadith Mae Jones-Witherspoon on August 6, 1939; she graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in June 1957; she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where she later received her master's degree; she married Marvin Rule in the mid-1960s, and he preceded her in death; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was an educator for over 30 years, beginning her teaching career at Golden Garden Elementary School in East St. Louis; she later moved to several other schools within East St. Louis School District 189, becoming a spokesperson for her peers within the district and leaving her mark on every school and child; during her teaching career, she was noted for making lessons fun and bringing out the best in her students through building their confidence and self-esteem; she fought for excellence in education until her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter and a founding member of the undergraduate chapter Gamma Beta; she was inducted on July 29, 1961; through the sorority, she mentored and provided scholarships for numerous young ladies, and she also often served and checked on elderly sorority sisters; her involvement in the organization inspired her nieces and great-nieces to make their debut into society at the Sigma Gamma Rho Debutante Cotillion; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule committed to her faith at an early age; she was very active at First Baptist Church of Golden Garden, where she served as an usher, a choir member, and a Sunday school teacher; after leaving First Baptist Church, she became a member and mother at The Faith House in O'Fallon; after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to family, she became a dedicated member of Salem Baptist Church until she could no longer attend; she remained deeply devoted to her faith until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule loved cooking, and one of her favorite side dishes to serve was baked apples; she enjoyed knitting and crocheting while watching recorded episodes of The Price is Right, and she was known for making a blanket for each newborn in the family, which are still cherished by the recipients; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule, as the oldest of five siblings, was a true leader, a protector, and a good listener; she was committed to taking care of her family, making sure they had everything they needed, and she treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children; she became the matriarch and rock of the Witherspoon family, and she will be remembered for her strength and wisdom; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Edward Witherspoon; and her sisters, Gloria Jean Witherspoon and Mary Ann Houston; and

WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Saundra Rule was survived by her sister, Lenora Eunice Crockett; her brother, Wesley B. (Rosie) Witherspoon Jr.; her nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Cornell) Gordon, Keith Crockett, Kimberly (Paul) Blow, Cynthia (Demone) Phelps, Ronald (Tammy) Houston Jr., Joanna Witherspoon, Corey (Janae) Houston, Doug Robbins, Wesley B. (Frieda) Witherspoon III, and Thaddeus "TJ" Houston; her godson, Kevin Anderson; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, friends, and former students; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule 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 Saundra Rule as an expression of our deepest sympathy.