SR0686 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0686 LRB097 20943 GRL 68058 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Julia G. Beck Davenport, who passed away on March 7, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport was born on October 10, 1920, in Pace, Mississippi; her parents were Cleveland and Louise Beck; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport attended elementary school in East St. Louis; in 1938, she graduated from Lincoln Senior High School; she subsequently furthered her education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, the Logistic Management School at Fort Lee, Virginia, and other management schools; she later studied and received 3 certificates of progress in Christian Education; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in 1930; in 1957, she accepted the position of Church Clerk at the church; in that position, she helped the youth and senior citizens with legal matters and training; she served as President of Senior Citizens, where she arranged many trips and dinners; she organized the church's first Vacation Bible School in 1960; she served as Chairperson of the Mortgage Burning of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in 1962, as well as the Women's Day, Church Anniversary, Family and Friends Day, Vacation Bible School Picnic Coordinator, and Pastor's Anniversary events; she served as teacher and Assistant Superintendent for the church's Sunday School and represented the Sunday School at National Baptist Congress for many years; she also served as Dean Chairman of the Board of Christian Education and was a member of the Mother's Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport was employed by the United States government for over 37 years, where she was an Inventory Management Specialist; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport was involved with numerous community organizations, including the Model City Board Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Ethel Scott Section, NAAC, Queen Elizabeth Chapter #16, Order of Eastern Star, Eureka Grand Chapter, Star of Illinois Jurisdiction, Aahmes Court 84, Daughter of Iris, the Elks Club, and the Senior Board Citizen Nutrition Program; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Davenport; her siblings; and her stepson and stepdaughter; and

WHEREAS, Julia Davenport is survived by her daughters, Rowena Davenport (Bennie Sr.) Lewis and Joan Davenport Moore; her stepson, John C. (Betty) Davenport, Jr.; her grandchildren, Bennie, Jr., Roderick (Michelle), Dr. Carla Lewis Longley (Ronald), and Ernell Rodgers Thacker (Michael); her 15 great-grandchildren; her 8 great-great-grandchildren; her godson, Judge Milton Wharton; her special niece, Geraldine Owens Jackson; her sister-in-law, Laura Beck; her oldest cousin, Charlotte Dobbins; her daughter-in-law, Eva Davenport; her son-in-law, Jimmie Bradley; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Julia G. Beck Davenport; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Julia Davenport as an expression of our sympathy.