HR0534 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0534 LRB099 12546 MST 36020 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Fannie Mae Brisco-Melvin Rayford; and

WHEREAS, Fannie Rayford was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on November 13, 1942 to Charlie and Laura Brisco; she graduated from Rose A. Temple High School; she relocated to Aurora, where she met and was united in marriage to Thomas Melvin, Sr.; she later met George Rayford in 1970 and they were united in marriage 1982; and

WHEREAS, Fannie Rayford retired from Furnas Electric in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Fannie Rayford was a member of Progressive Baptist Church, where she was very active in the choir and various committees; in 1998, she joined New Community Baptist Church and became its First Lady under the leadership of her husband, Servant George Rayford; she was ordained as an Evangelist in June of 2007; she enjoyed life to the fullest; she loved to cook and share a good laugh and was an avid card player; and

WHEREAS, Fannie Rayford is survived by her husband of over 44 years, Servant George Rayford; her daughter, Debra (Ronnie); her sons, Earl Melvin, Deion (Beverly) Melvin, Thomas (Anita) Melvin, Jr., Roderick Rayford, Tonya Rayford Jones, Ercil Rayford, and Donald Rayford; her siblings, Berdia (Leon) Casey, Joe (Linda) Brisco, Gertrude (Ernest) Thomas, Albert (Beatrice) Brisco, and Roger Brisco; her in-laws, James (Barbara) Rayford, Larry C. Rayford, Johnny (Daisy) Rayford, Aaron (Jeanette) Rayford, Pastor Van (Diane) Rayford, Pastor Eddie Rayford, Dr. Richard (Dr. Edith) Rayford, Dr. Walter Rayford, Truly Banks, Geneva Rubin, and Claudette (James) Marion; her uncle, Joe Sanderson; her aunts, Luella Wolfe, Willie Jean Smith, and Ora Mae Rayford; her 23 grandchildren; and her 22 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Fannie Mae Brisco-Melvin Rayford, and 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 Fannie Rayford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.