SR0164 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0164 LRB100 11108 KLG 21371 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Velvet Bailey Graves of North Chicago, who passed away on January 29, 2017 at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was born in Randolph County, Alabama to George and Eliza Heard Bailey; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was employed by The Goodwin/Simmons family for over 60 years; she began with the family in 1947 in Anniston, Alabama, moved with them to Washington, D.C. in 1953, and then to Lake Forest in 1956; she married Robert Graves in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was devoted to her own family, often going back to Alabama to visit her brothers and sisters and their extended families; she found great joy in attending family reunions; she was always very supportive of her family members, particularly her nieces and nephews, often having them visit or even live with her in her house in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was a loving member of the Goodwin/Simmons family, having been with them throughout the childhood of the Goodwin children, Andy, Barton, and Charlotte; she played an active role in their upbringing and was a steady fixture in their household and lives; she was a devoted employee, companion, and friend of Mrs. Richard Simmons, remaining in her employ until her death in 2009; for the last 10 years, she lived with Mrs. Elfreda Sproul of North Chicago, who has been a warm and loving friend since 1968; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was active in the church throughout her life; she was devout in her belief and was a dedicated reader of the Bible; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and her siblings, Oran, Willie, Cloris, Heard, and Emma; and

WHEREAS, Velvet Graves is survived by her brother, John T., and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Velvet Bailey Graves, 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 Velvet Graves as an expression of our deepest sympathy.