SR0522 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0522 LRB096 15698 GRL 30934 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Melvin Powell, Sr., who passed away on November 5, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. was born on October 27, 1931, in Belzoni-Isola, Mississippi; his parents were Bernice Powell and Will Nunn Jr.; he married Dian Mitchell on April 7, 1962; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. and his mother moved to Chicago when he was 4 years old; he attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Farragut High School; he then received his associate's degree in criminal justice from Wright Junior College; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. was employed with the Arlington Hotel, a railroad, and the United States Post Office before joining the Chicago Police Department; he then served as a policeman for 33 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant; he retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2000; during his illustrious career, he received over 200 Honorable Mentions and was the recipient of the prestigious Cathy Osterman Award; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. was an active member in his community; he served as an interim alderman for Chicago's 9th Ward and was the treasurer of the Roseland Little League organization; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. accepted Christ at an early age; he attended Strangers Home Missionary Baptist Church in Belzoni, Mississippi; in Chicago, he attended Commonwealth Community Church and served as a loyal steward and deacon at New Life Christian Ministries of Greater Chicago for the past 17 years; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Powell, Sr. is survived by his loving wife, Dian; his son, Melvin Jr.; his grandchildren, Ashley Dian and Gabrielle Dian; and his great-grandchild, Taylor Diahn Sharon Hunter; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Melvin Powell, Sr.; and be it further

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