SR2311 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2311 LRB099 23634 MST 51134 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mary Lee Gray, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray was born in Denmark, Tennessee to Lonnie and Mellie Gray on September 19, 1937; she attended Upper Ingram and South Jackson Elementary School; she graduated from Merry Jackson High School and earned her Bachelor of Science from Lane Teachers College, where she played basketball; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray relocated to Chicago and began her teaching career with the Chicago Public School District, where she served for 35 years, retiring in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray was affectionately know as "MayLee" by her parents and as "Bubba" by her grandchildren; she enjoyed singing, traveling, and watching professional basketball; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Willie B. Gray, Wayne George Gray, and Sammie Lee Gray; and her sisters, Georgia Ruth Gray-Polk, Alfonsa Hunt-Lewis, Vernice Rufus, and Marjorie (Dan) Hurt; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray is survived by her children, Nikita Powell, Sandra Powell, Dr. Anitrese Wilks, and Dr. Latonya (Anthony) Wilks-Daniels; her goddaughter, Robin Henry; her grandchildren, Laron Holt, Curtis Mason, Lakita Scott, and Jaylen Jordan; her great-grandchildren, Christian Holt, Lamyra Scott, Aubrey Mason, and Alex Mason; her sisters, Margaret (Michael) Dean, Forrestine Gray, Shirley (Leland) Willis, and Claudette Osborne; her brothers, Lonnie (Margaret) Gray Jr., Daniel (Diane) Gray, James Gray, and James "Duke" Hunt; her stepmother, Millie Gray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mary Lee Gray, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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