Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0162

HR0162 LRB104 12590 LAW 23171 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Annie Pearl (Jones) Howard; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard was born to Nina Mae Jones and Johnnie "Buster" Jones in Jackson, Mississippi on May 6, 1938; she attended Martin Elementary School; she and her family then moved to Chicago's South Side, settling in the Park Manor neighborhood; she graduated from Doolittle Elementary School and attended Parker High School before returning to Jackson, Mississippi, where she cared for her father while continuing her studies at Jim Hill High School; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard proceeded to move to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she met and married Roosevelt "Cat" "Catman" Howard, gaining a daughter, Della; together, the couple had four children, Gwendolyn, Annette, Yvette, and Johnny; she and her family relocated to Chicago in 1964, where they welcomed their youngest child, Randy, before settling in the Park Manor neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard was a nurturer by nature and had a way of making people feel seen and cared for, whether through a comforting meal, a listening ear, or a firm but loving word of advice; her home was the heart of every family gathering and holiday celebration, a place where loved ones came together to play games, dance late into the night, and find unwavering support in her presence; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard committed to her faith at a young age and loved blues music, especially the soulful melodies of Johnny Taylor, B.B. King, Etta James, and Bobby Bland; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard was a woman of quiet strength and wisdom, bestowing upon her family the knowledge of past generations; she will be remembered for the love she gave, the taste of her cooking, and the sound of her laughter; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Willie Thornton Jr.; her son, Johnny; and two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Annie Pearl Howard is survived by her brother, Pretic Buchanan Jr.; her children, Gwendolyn Annette, Yvette Howard, Randy Howard, and Della M. (Kevin) Cyrus; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her nieces, Theresa Ann Miller Glass and Tanikka Ellis; her nephews, Maurice Green Sr., Clarence Miller, Michael Miller, and Darius McKenzie; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and community members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Annie Pearl (Jones) Howard 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 Annie Pearl Howard as an expression of our deepest sympathy.