HR0806 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0806 LRB096 17036 GRL 32773 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Oliver Jerome Brewster, who passed away on January 2, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster was born on October 7, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri; his parents were Alverta and the Reverend Raymond Brewster; he accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster attended Vashaun High School in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Crane High School in Chicago; after high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he enjoyed boxing and served in the Korean War during his 4-year tour; after leaving the Navy, he returned to Chicago, where he met his future wife, Charlotte Bowman; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster worked at the United States Post Office until he embarked on his dream of owning his own business; in 1973, he opened Brewster's Barber Shop and Beauty Salon on Chicago's South Side, a business he owned and operated for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster was an active member of his community; he was the founder of the On With Life (O.W.L.) community organization; he participated in numerous programs as a member of The Lutheran Church of Christ the King; he also served as the President and National Director of the Black Youth Organization and as Vice-President of the Association of Black Lutheran Churchmen; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster was involved in local and State politics for over 40 years; over the years, he has gathered people for marches, rallies, voter registration drives, petition drives, and numerous elections; he worked alongside many Chicago elected officials and spearheaded the campaigns of former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, former Senator Howard Brookins, Sr., Niles Sherman, Ray Adkins, and Illinois State Representative Constance A. Howard; he also worked side-by-side with Representative Howard as her District Director/Coordinator for over 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster enjoyed boxing, traveling, listening to jazz, cooking, and politics; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster was preceded in death by his father; his brothers, Earl and Harold; and his aunts, Geneva Woods, Catherine Brewster-Coleman, Alma Brewster, and Ruby Clark; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Brewster is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Charlotte; his daughters, Yolanda and Anika; his grandchildren, Yoronda, Charonda, Jeromee, Joi, and Jordai; his mother, Alverta McField; his brother, Quinton McField (Denise); his sisters, Alversa Milan (Jesse) and Marilyn Breashears (Ollie); and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Oliver Jerome Brewster; and be it further

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