HR0541 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0541 LRB097 13858 GRL 58423 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Arlena Bailey, who passed away on September 30, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey was born on February 2, 1917, in Canton, Mississippi; her mother was Angle Smith; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey received her early education in the Canton public school system; after an early marriage and the birth of her two eldest children, she married McWillie Bailey in 1945; the couple moved to Chicago the same year; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey accepted Christ at an early age; she was a loyal member of True Light Church Baptist; she was dedicated to her church and attended faithfully until her health prohibited regular attendance; she served with the February Month Club as treasurer for many years, as well as the Mothers' Council; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey was a homemaker; she also served as a caretaker to many of her grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, During her over 65 years in Chicago, Arlena Bailey remained an avid voter in every election; she encouraged her family members and neighbors to exercise their civic rights by participating in the electoral process; throughout her life, she lived in Chicago's 11th, 17th, 7th, 18th, and 21st Wards; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey was preceded in death by her husband, McWillie; her son-in-law, Clifford; her daughter-in-law, Ora; and her brother-in-law, William; and

WHEREAS, Arlena Bailey is survived by her children, Clarence Knox (Betty), Dorothy Payne, Willis Bailey (Elaine), Maxine Hicks, Duwain Bailey (Jocelyn), Rev. Jonathan Bailey, Annie Mitchell (Bobby), and Robert Bailey (Annie); her 28 grandchildren; her 37 great-grandchildren; her eight great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Sam Champion, Willie Champion, and Luella Hale; her many cousins, nieces, and nephews; her special cousin, Lena Green; and her many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Arlena Bailey; and be it further

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