HR0118 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0118 LRB098 11164 GRL 41867 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bettye Pearl Jakes-Russ, who passed away on February 11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ was born on April 29, 1926, in Minter City, Mississippi; she was the seventh of the eight children of Robert and Sarah Knox; she married Percy Jakes in 1949; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ confessed hope in Christ at an early age; she was a faithful member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Oneida, Arkansas, where she served on the usher's and mother's boards as a Sunday school teacher, church secretary, choir member, pastor's aide, and the president of the mission department; she later moved to Chicago and became a member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. George Daniels; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ was a cherished friend of everyone she met throughout her life and was known as the "politician's mom of the 37th Ward of Chicago"; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ enjoyed fishing, making jewelry, and working in her puzzle book; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ was a devoted mother and was known for enjoying spending time with her family and sharing love in every aspect of her life; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ was a truly exemplary human being; she will always be remembered for her dedication to serve others and for her inspiration, strength of character, courage, generosity, and caring for her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Sedell, Luemether, Luethel, CW, Chapel, Shain, and Cell Knox; and her children, Joe L. Knox, Cornelious, Fannie Lee, Nathaniel, Willie B., Danielle Yvonne, and Freddie B. Jakes; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ is survived by her children, Excell (Dorothy) Brown, Lacy Flemings, Jeanette (Sam) Sidney, Eartis (Marilyn) Jakes, Mary Jackson, Minnie Jakes, Percy Jakes Jr., Bettye (Rufus) Pulphus, Jessie Jakes, Ald. Emma Mitts, Lueathel (Lenard) Seawood, and Sheryl (Ira) French; her sisters-in-law, Catherine Young, Cora Lee Swanigan, and Sara Knox; her 54 grandchildren; her 102 great-grandchildren; her 26 great-great grandchildren; her godson, Reverend Clifford Williams; and her many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bettye Jakes-Russ and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bettye Jakes-Russ as an expression of our deepest sympathy.