HR1174 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1174 LRB093 23298 KEF 53274 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Alghia (June) Griffin, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Alghia Griffin, Jr. was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 22, 1931; he was the third child born to Rev. Alghia Griffin, Sr. and Maria Bozeman; his primary and elementary school years were completed at Cherry Street School and Bowman High school, in Vicksburg; and

WHEREAS, He was gifted with an unusual musical ability that can be traced back in his family tree to the 1800s; he was able to play a wide range of instruments, including every wind and string instrument, the complete percussion section, organ, and piano; he was presented the highest outstanding music award for all four years of high school; he was then employed by his uncle, the first black man to organize a band in the Vicksburg area; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Griffin was called to the Ministry while a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Vicksburg, the place for all of his Christian training from childhood to manhood; and

WHEREAS, He served his country with dignity and pride as Spec. 4th Class Radio Operator for four years in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War; he then relocated to Chicago in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Griffin was employed by Jefferson Electric, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Village of Maywood, and the Federal Government for many years; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Alghia (June) Griffin, Jr. will be deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Diana Griffin; his children, Terry (Bryant), Emanuel, Carl (Kim), and Algheana (Felix); his sisters, Willie Mae Griffin Strong, Bettie Griffin Barry, and Irene Griffin Harvey; his brothers, Herbert (Lydia) Griffin and James (Dorothy) Griffin; his cousin, State Representative Constance Howard; his four grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; and a daughter, Winnie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Alghia (June) Griffin, Jr. along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Alghia (June) Griffin, Jr. as a token of our deepest sympathy.