SR1027 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1027 LRB100 15274 ALS 30193 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leola Williams Robinson White of Chicago, who passed away on October 16, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Leola White was born in Natchez, Mississippi to Anna and Claude Williams on April 5, 1915; she was one of ten children; she left school in the fourth grade to help pick cotton and take care of her siblings and mother; she moved to Chicago in 1946; she later married Tommie White; and

WHEREAS, Leola White worked on the assembly line at the Young Spring & Wire Company for 31 years; she also sold Avon; and

WHEREAS, Leola White maintained her ties to Natchez and drove down South a few times a year to visit family, often taking young relatives along for the ride; and

WHEREAS, Over the decades, Leola White's house in Chicago served as the first stop for many people, including her sister, three brothers, and hundreds of others, as they journeyed north from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee in search of a better life; they were offered a spot on her sofa or spare bed until they saved enough money for a place of their own; and

WHEREAS, Leola White was the oldest living member of the First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, which she joined in 1946; she was President of the Missionary Society for over 47 years; she donated all of the money she made selling Avon to the church; and

WHEREAS, Leola White was a resplendent dresser, especially on Sundays; her outfits matched from head to toe, and she accessorized with different hats; she loved the color purple and gospel music, and enjoyed watching the Chicago Bulls, turning to prayer when necessary to help the team; and

WHEREAS, Leola White was the matriarch of her family and church; she leaves for her community, and especially for her daughter Ann Anderson and her granddaughter Jacquie Algee, an inspirational legacy of a life led with dignity and a focus on helping others; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Leola Williams Robinson White 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 Leola White as an expression of our deepest sympathy.