SR0347 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ira Harris Jr. of North Chicago, who passed away on June 4, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Ira Harris Jr. was born on June 16, 1926 in Texarkana, Arkansas; his parents were Ira Sr. and Jeannette Harris; and

WHEREAS, Ira Harris Jr. was employed by the American Motors Corporation for 40 years; he served as an inspiration for many area youths as a coach and equipment manager for North Chicago High School and Forest Park in North Chicago; and he dutifully served on the North Chicago School Board for 3 terms; and

WHEREAS, Ira Harris Jr. held memberships with numerous organizations; he was a loyal member of the United Grand Lodge, State of Illinois, where he was a Worshipful Master, Imperial Potentate, and 33rd Degree Mason; he was an active member of the Elks Fort Little Lodge 1359; and he served as treasurer with the NAACP from 1970 to 1980; and

WHEREAS, Ira Harris Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Sr. and Jeannette, and his brother, William Lewis Harris; and

WHEREAS, Ira Harris Jr. is survived by his wife, Zerlene Echols-Harris; his sister, Joan Harris-Singleton; his daughters, Ann Theresa Yarber, Lorris Marie Ware, and Jewel Echols; his grandchildren, Sam Yarber, Alura Yarber, Andre Yarber, Edward Ware III, Ira Phillip Brougton, Eurydice Echols, and Trelusce Echols; his great-grandchildren, Irayanna Broughton, Edward T. Ware, Essence Ware, Cody Ware, Alouwon Yarber, Assatta Yarber, Alex Yarber, Adan Yarber, and Arianna Yarber; his nieces, Kim Mari Williams and Joan Singleton; his nephews, James Singleton, Steven Singleton, William Singleton, and Scott Singleton; his sister-in-law, Frances B. Harris; and many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Ira Harris Jr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ira Harris Jr. as an expression of our sympathy.