SR0939 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0939 LRB095 23139 GRL 53777 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. of Sparta, who passed away on December 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. was born on December 12, 1923 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his parents were the late Walter and Annette Wilson; he married Geanette Newbern on April 13, 1953 in East St. Louis; and

WHEREAS, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. dedicated his life to Christ under the pastorate of the late Elder Everett Summers in St. Louis, Missouri; he was raised in East St. Louis, where he attended public schools; he was a graduate of a vocational program and was the recipient of a certificate in small engine repairs; and

WHEREAS, In July of 1969, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. moved his family to Sparta, where he took a position at Spartan Printing; after moving to Sparta, he became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Jesus All Nations under the pastorate of Bishop Joseph Edmonson, Sr., where he remained until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. had an extraordinary work ethic, as evidenced by his numerous job positions, such as business proprietor in East St. Louis and positions with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Keely Construction; and

WHEREAS, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mattie James, Dorothy Brown, and Emma Boyd; his grandsons, Allen Steele, Jr. and Nicholas Ward; his nieces, Linda Jordan, Doloris Harrell, and Carolyn Harris; and his nephews, Milton Brice, Thomas Chatman, and Kenneth Brewer; and

WHEREAS, Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Geanette; his sons, Marcus Lee Wilson, Sr., Henry Lee (Dara) Wilson, Jr., Juanez Deon (Danyel) Wilson, Sr., Corey LaRez Wilson, Jaime Ramero Wilson, and Keevin Arnez Wilson; his daughters, Terrace Lynette (Glenn) Jalivay, Layla Thelen, Keena Rene (Gregory) Small, Marci Anita (Timothy) Sheppard, Jevonda Rolane Ward, Bevey Alicia (Lorenzo) Louden, Carmen Arnina (James) Wilson-Davis, and Angela Revett Wilson; his 49 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Ethel Brewer, Helen Harris, and Annette Moore Branson; and his many 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 Henry Lee Wilson, Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Henry Lee Wilson, Sr. as an expression of our sympathy.