SR0609 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0609 LRB094 19495 HSS 55329 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Deacon Isaiah Cunningham of North Chicago on November 7, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Isaiah Cunningham was born on January 12, 1918, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Frank and Lola Cunningham; he accepted Christ at an early age and in 1923, the family moved to North Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In 1924, the Deacon Cunningham united with First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a cornerstone of wisdom and knowledge; his dedication to First Corinthian resulted in several awards and commendations throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, He married Ann Cunningham in 1949; to this union four children were born; he was a U.S. Army Veteran who served his country during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Deacon Isaiah Cunningham retired as a mechanic from Chrysler Motors after 35 years of service; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Deacon Isaiah Cunningham has been deeply felt by many, especially his daughter, Betty Christmas; his sons, Shelly Vernell Powell, Rickey (Jean) Cunningham, and Gerald Cunningham; his 15 grandchildren; his great-granddaughter; his godsons, Mildren "Butch" Hooper and Rev. John (Debra) Patterson Jr.; and his many other relatives and dear friends; he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ann Cunningham; his parents, Lola and Frank Cunningham; his brothers, Berry, Mack, Lawrence, Harrison, William, Willie, and Frank Cunningham; and his sister, Alma Abrahams; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Deacon Isaiah Cunningham, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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