HR0639 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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

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

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