Bill Text: IL HR0639 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Rev. Sylvester Smith Jr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-01-28 - Resolution Adopted [HR0639 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-HR0639-Introduced.html

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HR0639 LRB101 16105 MST 65468 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Rev.
Sylvester Smith Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Smith was born in Nita Yuma, Mississippi to
Leona Dantzler and Sylvester Smith Sr. on October 31, 1926; as
a young man, he relocated to Chicago and settled in the
Bronzeville neighborhood; he joined the 44th St. Baptist
Church, where he served on the usher board; he married Naomi
Hill in May of 1949 and served in the military from 1954 to
1956; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Smith worked for the Smith Transfer Company
(Huber & Huber) for 42 years; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Smith graduated from Hope Bible College; in
1965, he was elected pastor of the newly-formed New Pisgah M.B.
Church, which grew over the years to include successful day
care and senior housing; he made educating children a priority
and advocated for daycare and Headstart funding and
legislation; he served as a mentor at Englewood High School and
enjoyed being a positive role model and frequently gave the
students motivational and inspiring talks; and

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WHEREAS, Rev. Smith was affectionately known as "Uncle
Junior"; he loved to repair cars and attended the Greer
Mechanic School; he was elected president of the Baptist
Minister's Alliance of Chicago and Vicinity for two terms; he
loved to attend the yearly National Baptist Conventions; he was
a world traveler and visited Israel, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the
Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and most major cities in the
United States; he enjoyed taking cruises and was his children's
biggest fan; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Smith was preceded in death by his wife of 62
years, Naomi; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Smith is survived by his children, Stanley
(Ruthie), Gloria, Denise, Pastor Wayne (Toi), and David
(Rhonda); his sister, Ethel Wilson; his brother, Albert Smith;
his grandchildren, Latreese, Bryan, Cha-chi, Chasty, and
Adoria; and his great-grandchildren, Devon, Brayden, and
Myles; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of Rev. Sylvester Smith Jr. and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further

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