HR0556 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0556 LRB102 21863 MST 30984 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sleety Bournes, who passed away on November 10, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes was born to Della and Joshua Bournes in Oak Vale, Mississippi on February 14, 1935; she eventually settled in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes started volunteering at her son Stephen's elementary school in 1980, which she continued after his graduation in 1985; she was most proud for being named Outstanding Schoolhouse Volunteer by the Chicago Public Schools in 1985, representing her dedication to volunteering at both Crispus Attucks Elementary School and Thomas A. Hendricks Elementary School from 1980 to 1987; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes read her bible every day; she was a member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where she was part of the Buzy Bee Club; she later joined Fidelity Missionary Baptist Church in 1986, where she served on the Usher's Board, the Women's Ministry, and the Mother's Board, among other ministries; she looked forward to the annual church tea and the state rally, where she was the state captain for Mississippi; she later joined the Pleasant Green Baptist Church in the mid 1990s, where she was active with the Mother's Board and the February Group ministries; her true ministry and passion was taking care of the sick and the elderly; she loved taking care of others and would be the first person to visit someone in the hospital; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes was a true homemaker, keeping an immaculately clean house, maintaining a garden, and canning vegetables for the winter; she was a good cook and was most famous for her baking, especially her lemon glazed pound cake; she took joy in growing her summer garden and often shared fresh vegetables such as collard greens, peppers, and zucchini with her neighbors and the property management office, who all looked forward to her zucchini bread; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes' hobbies included reading, solving word searches, thrifting, and watching sports, especially tennis; she was an artist, a painter, and even fancied herself as an interior decorator; she was also a pretty good barber; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes was known for her stylish dresses and sharp hats, and she loved putting on her Sunday best; she enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Mississippi with family and friends; she will be dearly missed; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John L. Bournes, Leonard Ray Bournes, and Arthur Ray; her sisters, Ivory Joe Bournes, Teola Bournes, Ruth Thomas, Applessie King, and LeeDora Bournes Simmons; and her son, Larry Bournes; and

WHEREAS, Sleety Bournes is survived by her sons, Selman, Ronnie (Angela), Kenneth (Linda), Christopher, Rishard (Denise), and Stephen (Deone); her brother, James Melvin Bournes; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sleety Bournes 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 Sleety Bournes as an expression of our deepest sympathy.