SR0507 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0507 LRB093 21898 KEF 49957 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois were saddened to learn of the death of Evans Royce Miller on April 17, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Evans Royce Miller was born to Alice Hines Miller and Minor Townsend on May 5, 1932, in Bowling Green, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, he graduated from State Street High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky; between studying and working before and after school, he enjoyed playing basketball and pool and listening to the blues; he also developed an interest in politics after working in a Kentucky election; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Eulon Barber College in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in the Korean War as an Airman First Class until he was honorably discharged in 1955; and

WHEREAS, He married Thelma Jo Waller on March 23, 1957; they moved to Chicago where their two children, Steven Royce and Sheila Ann, were born; and

WHEREAS, He moved his family to Markham in 1963 where he joined Christ Temple Community Baptist Church and began employment with the City of Markham in the Public Works Department; and

WHEREAS, He joined numerous civic and civil rights organizations, including the Cub and Boy Scouts, Little League baseball, Markham Park District, Operation PUSH, NAACP South Suburban Branch, National Urban League, School District 152 1/2 PTA, American Legion Post 828, and many others; he always wanted to be at the forefront of community issues; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller believed he could make a difference, so he decided to run for political office; he was elected Alderman of Ward 1 in 1971 and 1975; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, he became President of the Markham Roller Rink, Inc., a position he held until he departed this life; his business has served as "the place" for recreation in metropolitan Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In 1985 he was elected Mayor of the City of Markham and he was re-elected in 1989, 1993, and 1997; under his leadership, the City of Markham prospered; and

WHEREAS, Until the end, he remained devoted to his family, friends, business, and the City of Markham; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Evans Royce Miller will be deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Thelma; his son, Steven R. (Stephanie J.) Miller; his daughter, Sheila A. (Steve) Baker; his four grandchildren, Stacie D. Miller, Simone E. Miller, Cameron J. Ellison, and Kellie N. Baker; his twin sister, Eva J. (Jack) Withrow; his three brothers, Otha D. (Virginia) Miller, Percy (Inez) Miller, and Cecil (Maude) Miller; his three sisters-in-law, Sarah Waller, Jean (Albert) Waller, and Johnnie Mae (James) Waller; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many true and wonderful friends; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Dora (John) Booker, George Anna (Golden) Wade, Ruby (Felix) Perkins, Sarah (Andrew) McGriff, Elisha (Dora) Miller, Clarence Miller, and Paul Miller; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Evan Royce Miller along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his friends, family, and community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Evans Royce Miller as an expression of our deepest sympathy.