HR0922 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0922 LRB097 21043 KXB 68359 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Thelma Bernice Burnett of Chicago, who passed away on March 22, 2012; and

WHEREAS, She was born Thelma Bernice James on June 15, 1940 in Pickens, Mississippi; she was the first child of Deacon George James II and Mother Lillian James; the James family moved to Chicago when Bernice was in preschool and, even at young age, she commanded attention from those she encountered because of her lively spirit and outgoing personality; from her elementary school years at Felsenthal through her time at Dunbar high school, she remained involved in several activities, including the majorettes and Girl Scouts; and

WHEREAS, Setting the foundation for her life, she dedicated herself to the Lord on August 3,1958 at her childhood church home, Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church; she partook in many activities, including the Women's Auxiliary Board, and remained a member for more than 60 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, she was introduced to John Burnett by one of her best friends, Anne Nix; after 2 years of dating, John proposed and they began their journey into marriage on December 25, 1974; and

WHEREAS, As she got older, she developed an interest in fashion; she strategically landed a job at Saks Fifth Avenue to ensure she had the first pick at the latest designer apparel and makeup; she made many friends at Saks, spending 33 years in the cosmetics department; and

WHEREAS, Thelma Burnett leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, John; her daughter, Jonese; her brother, George III (Barbara); her sister, Doris; her nephews, Barry (Doris), Gregory, and George IV; her Godson, Quincy Crockett; her nieces, Tina (George), Myra, and Carol (Ed); and a host of loving great nephews, nieces, family, 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 Thelma Burnett; and be it further

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