HR0959 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0959 LRB095 18773 GRL 44896 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The institution of marriage is one of the cornerstones upon which our society is built, and a marriage that has achieved a notable longevity is truly a model for the people of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Theodis and Essie Leonard on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary on December 26, 2007; Theodis and Essie Leonard met in Lexington, Mississippi at Ambrose High School in 1953; they were married in Chicago on December 26, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Theodis and his wife Essie pursued careers as educators for over 30 years in the Chicago Public School system; Theodis served as a counselor, teacher, and assistant principal before retiring as the principal of Ignace Paderewski Elementary School; Essie served as a teacher in business and special education, retiring after 34 years of service; and

WHEREAS, The Leonards have been pillars in their community; Theodis has served as a lay leader in the Episcopal A.M.E. Church, The Westside Recreation Association, The Chicago Teachers Union, and the Chicago Principal Administrators Association; Essie was involved in promoting and enhancing the youth by sponsoring the Chicago Public School Academic Decathlon, as a member of the Chicago Teachers Union, and by raising their family with Christian values as members of the Carey Tercentenary Episcopal A.M.E. Church and residing on the west side of Chicago for over 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Born to their union are Doris Renee Turner, Valerie Faye Leonard, Theodis Raymond Leonard, and Curtis Allen Leonard; they have created a home filled with Christian love and one accord, which can be attested by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godchildren, and the adults that have adopted them as parents, mentors, and lifelong friends; they have exemplified the stability of mutual respect and Christian love that serves as the foundation of strong relationships; and

WHEREAS, Respect for marriage reaches one of its highest plateaus when a couple such as Theodis and Essie celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary; Theodis and Essie stand as examples of the best of our society, and their love and devotion to each other and to their family and friends reminds us that unwavering commitment, mutual respect, and unconditional love are the core characteristics of a lifelong union between two people; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Theodis Leonard on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary; that we commend them for the achievement of a marriage based on a strong and stabilizing foundation, which was blessed by the birth of their children and their children's children and their great-grandchildren, and the abundance of family love and friendship; and that we wish them continued success, happiness, and good health as they continue to share their legacy of love; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Theodis Leonard as a symbol of our respect and esteem.