HR1130 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1130 LRB097 21785 KXB 70350 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Iola McGowan of Chicago, who passed away on May 24, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was born on September 8, 1936; proud of her West Side roots, she graduated from Farragut High School in 1954; she started a family and spearhead neighborhood efforts in her area; she later graduated from Northeastern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, She began her political career at the precinct level; she ascended through the ranks of the Democratic Party to become the Director of Consumer Services for the City of Chicago under former Mayor Jane Byrne, serving a 6-year term; she was then appointed to head the Model Cities Community Services program; she also developed an innovative classroom coloring book to teach children about becoming educated consumers; and

WHEREAS, She was a former Vice Chairman of the Illinois State Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee; and she served as a Chicago Park District Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was known as the "First Lady of the Westside" and served as the 29th Ward Committeeman for 4 years; she also served on the Board of Cook County Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was preceded in death by her husband, Adam "Donald" McGowan; her mother, Ernestine Martin; and her sister, Anna Pearson; and

WHEREAS, Iola McGowan is survived by her children, Rhonda Stivers (fiance, Matthew), Gregory McGowan (Patricia), and Allison McGowan (fiance, Shawn); her sister, Laverne Schaffer; her grandchildren, Jason Stivers, Ashley McGowan, and Whitney McGowan; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Iola McGowan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Iola McGowan as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.