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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of Velvet Bailey Graves of North Chicago,
4who passed away on January 29, 2017 at the age of 94; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was born in Randolph County, Alabama
6to George and Eliza Heard Bailey; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was employed by The Goodwin/Simmons
8family for over 60 years; she began with the family in 1947 in
9Anniston, Alabama, moved with them to Washington, D.C. in 1953,
10and then to Lake Forest in 1956; she married Robert Graves in
111961; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was devoted to her own family, often
13going back to Alabama to visit her brothers and sisters and
14their extended families; she found great joy in attending
15family reunions; she was always very supportive of her family
16members, particularly her nieces and nephews, often having them
17visit or even live with her in her house in Waukegan; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was a loving member of the
19Goodwin/Simmons family, having been with them throughout the
20childhood of the Goodwin children, Andy, Barton, and Charlotte;
21she played an active role in their upbringing and was a steady

 

 

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1fixture in their household and lives; she was a devoted
2employee, companion, and friend of Mrs. Richard Simmons,
3remaining in her employ until her death in 2009; for the last
410 years, she lived with Mrs. Elfreda Sproul of North Chicago,
5who has been a warm and loving friend since 1968; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was active in the church throughout
7her life; she was devout in her belief and was a dedicated
8reader of the Bible; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was preceded in death by her
10husband, Robert; and her siblings, Oran, Willie, Cloris, Heard,
11and Emma; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Velvet Graves is survived by her brother, John T.,
13and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and
14friends; therefore, be it
 
15    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
16ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
17Velvet Bailey Graves, and extend our sincere condolences to her
18family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it
19further
 
20    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
21presented to the family of Velvet Graves as an expression of

 

 

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1our deepest sympathy.