SR0111 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop DeArmond Southern Mathews, who passed away on February 28, 2011; and

WHEREAS, DeArmond Mathews graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey; and

WHEREAS, DeArmond Mathews served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Army for five years until his discharge in 1970; he loved his overseas tours he undertook in the Army because they fulfilled his desires for adventure; during weekend leave, he met his soulmate for life, Rhonda Mathews, whom he married on February 26, 1970; and

WHEREAS, DeArmond Mathews accepted Christ at an early age and rededicated his life to accepting God's purpose and plan for his life in 1991; trusting in God to direct their paths, Bishop Mathews, his wife, and his son accepted the call and began to be led by the Holy Spirit; he served as Pastor and Overseer of Jehovah Jireh Ministries at the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, DeArmond Mathews was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Carson Bullard Mathews, Sr. and Evangelist Maxine Faith Mathews; and

WHEREAS, DeArmond Mathews is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Apostle Rhonda Mathews; his children, LaTanya Law, DeMeica, DeArmond (Courtney), and DeAndre; his grandsons, William, Christian, DeArmond III, Carson Ballard Mathews, and Daniel; his granddaughters, Christa, Elizabeth, Karrington, and Alexis; his sisters, Maxine Dabbs (Lonnie), Faith Johnson, Marion Smith, Leontine Walton, and Dawn Baker; and his brother, Thaddeus Mathews (Lourene); therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Bishop DeArmond Southern Mathews; and be it further

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