SR0097 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0097 LRB098 10684 MST 40988 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate 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, to Robert and Sarah Knox, the seventh of eight children; 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 mothers boards as a Sunday school teacher, church secretary, choir member, pastor's aide, and the president of the mission department; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ moved to Chicago and became a member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend George Daniels; and

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

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ enjoyed fishing, making jewelry, and working on her puzzle books; 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 as 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; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Jakes-Russ is survived by her children, Excell Brown, Lacy Flemings, Jeanette Sidney, Eartis Jakes, Mary Jackson, Minnie Jakes, Percy Jakes Jr., Bettye Pulphus, Jessie Jakes, Alderman Emma Mitts, Lueathel Seawood, Sheryl 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 a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE 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.