HR0702 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0702 LRB101 19660 LAW 69150 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Arvile "Vera" Miles of Chicago, who passed away on January 18, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles was born in West Helena, Arkansas to Angie Hampton-Marshall and Billy Johnson on August 22, 1959; she graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in 1978; she attended nursing school at Automation Academy in 1983 and graduated as a Certified Nursing Assistant; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles worked at Warren Barr Gold Coast Living and Rehabilitation Center as a CNA; she also traveled the U.S. as a salesperson; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles had a passion for helping people; she was involved in several organizations and committees, including the Chicago Housing Authority Tenant Patrol, the Stateway Gardens Local Advisory Council, Mayor Daley's Participant Advisory Council, the Stateway/Park Boulevard Working Group, the Third Ward Tax Increment Financing Committee, the Lugenia Burns Hope Center, the Legal Assistance Foundation Board, the Pace ADA Committee Board, and the Chicago Transit Authority ADA Committee Board; she held several leadership roles, including serving as the CHA Relocation Coach Supervisor in 2001 and as the president of the senior group she helped create in Park Boulevard; she has also received numerous awards; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles played a pivotal role in putting Stateway Gardens back on the map; she, along with the Washington Park Local Advisory Committee President Francine Washington, spoke with John Roberson from Mayor Daley's office in 1998; they advocated for Stateway Gardens as a prime real-estate area, showcasing its access to major transit and other area amenities; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles was committed to her faith from an early age and was a dedicated member of the New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gertrude Bailey; and her brother, Ellis Miles; and

WHEREAS, Vera Miles is survived by her sons, Jernois Johnson, Michael Miles, Dennis Wright Jr., and Deniro Miles; her godchildren, Tamika Griffin and Keon Gatewood; her stepmother, Jewel Lee Johnson; her sisters Lee "Cookie" Summers, Everlean Banks, Linda Thomas, and Sheila Johnson; her brother-in-law, Broderick Sephus; her God Sister, Patricia Delaney; her brothers, Larnzell Robinson, Robert Johnson, and Kerie Hampton; her favorite aunts, Pearl L. Hampton and Savannah Meeks; and her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends; 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 Arvile "Vera" Miles 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 Vera Miles as an expression of our deepest sympathy.