SR2519 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2519 LRB099 24350 MST 52099 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Frances Joann Winfield; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield was born to Bernard and Dorothy Terry on October 20, 1935; she attended Fuller Elementary and Phillips High School; in 2001, she completed her bachelor's degree at DePaul University; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield worked for First National Bank for 23 years; she also worked as a substance abuse counselor at the Haymarket House for 22 years, where she counseled recovering mothers; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield experienced the turmoil of the civil rights movement first-hand, and committed herself to helping minorities achieve equality; she advocated in court for friends and family members, assisted the homeless with donations, and counseled and mentored many people struggling with gangs and the drug culture; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield was committed to the healthy development of young people; she was a founding board member of Lost Boyz Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded by her oldest grandson and his sister in 2008, which focuses on preventing youth violence and development through sports; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield was the matriarch of the Chicago branch of her family, with well over 300 members in Chicago and across Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and participating in church functions; her door was always open to everyone and she never turned anyone away; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield attended Our Lady of Peace Church, where she was an active member, serving for many years in the choir and various leadership groups; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield was preceded in death by her husbands, William Stewart and Edmond Winfield; her children, Helen and Keith Stewart; her parents; and her siblings, Barbara, Willa Mae, and Bernard Terry Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Frances Winfield is survived by her sons, Ronald, Wayne, and Johnny; her daughters, Wanda, Dorothy, and Letita; her special friend, Milton Merriweather; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of friends and relatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Frances Joann Winfield, 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 Frances Winfield as an expression of our deepest sympathy.