SR0365 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0365 LRB101 12263 MST 59976 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rev. William James Jenkins Sr., who passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins was born to William and Mary Jenkins in Autaugaville, Alabama on March 30, 1940; because he always shared whatever he had with his siblings, he became affectionately known as "Buddy"; and

WHEREAS, While living in Alabama, Rev. Jenkins picked cotton in the hot sun to help his mom provide for his siblings; however, he was determined to live a better life and courageously migrated to Chicago in 1960; in Chicago, he worked at the Ashford Company, National Video, and, lastly, General Motors; and

WHEREAS, On September 24, 1966, Rev. Jenkins organized the Lively Stone Missionary Baptist Church; Lively Stone held its first service at 3245 W. 15th Street but eventually relocated to 4938 W. Chicago Avenue, where it remains to this day; Rev. Jenkins remained a faithful and devoted Pastor for 47 years until his retirement in September 2013; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins preached the Gospel with power and authority, which afforded him the opportunity to meet many friends and collaborate with peers along his ministerial journey; his greatest ministerial collaboration was with three West Side pastors: Pastor Cleve Minter, Pastor John Parker, and Pastor Mack McCullum; together, they were affectionately known as "The 4 Gospel Heavyweights"; they recorded two Gospel albums and hosted revivals as they traveled around the country and to Jerusalem; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins lived his life preaching, teaching, and discipling others in the Gospel; hundreds of thousands of people were impacted by his ministry via weekly radio broadcasts, revivals, and missionary work; although he was a highly sought-after preacher, he still visited the sick and shut-in, attended celebrations and graduations, and performed funerals and wedding ceremonies; in addition, he was the highly respected patriarch of his family; he seldom raised his voice, but his presence always commanded respect; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins was not only a local church pastor but an activist who fought for the civil liberties of all people; as a result, he received innumerable awards and recognition from aldermen, senators, and other organizations for his contributions to his community; he was also instrumental in electing Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago's first African-American mayor; and

WHEREAS, Despite coming from humble beginnings and with limited education, Rev. Jenkins became a successful entrepreneur and established several businesses, including Human Enhancement Services, P & J Towing, Pickup & Dropoff Transportation, a hand carwash, a laundromat, a beauty shop, and a beauty supply store, where he employed family, friends, parishioners, and members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Doug; his sisters, Ida Mae Steele and Daisy Mae Bert; and his children, Jacqueline Jenkins and twins, Marilyn and Melvin Jenkins; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Jenkins is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Mrs. Lula Jenkins; his children, Pastor William Jr. (Diane), Pastor Eddie (Patricia), Shirley (Robert), Marcell (Larry), Minister Windol (Josephine), Ivory, LaNisha (Donnell), and Pastor Contrell (Lenkisha); his godson, Adrian Dean; his sisters, Minnie Hammond and Atlean Perry (Robert); his brother, Clemon Chappell (Rosemary); his special aunt, Stella Brown; his best friend, Deacon Robert Perry; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and spiritual sons and daughters across this nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Rev. William Jenkins Sr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rev. Jenkins and to the Lively Stone Missionary Baptist Church.