SR0124 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0124 LRB102 17505 LAW 23065 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Essie Mae "Dear" Clear, who passed away on February 13, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear was born in Vance, Mississippi to Polly Ann and Merritt Davis on June 1, 1932; she received her education from the Mississippi public school system; she married James L. Miller Sr. in 1947, and he preceded her in death; together, they had five children, four boys and one girl; she later moved to Chicago and married William Clear, and he preceded her in death; together, they had six children, two boys and four girls, and had one stepson; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear worked for DeMet's Turtle Candy and was an entrepreneur; she owned a cleaning service and was also a great beautician known for pressing hair; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear committed to her faith at the age of 11; she was a member at the Galilee MBC and the Mt. Zion MBC in Tutwiler, Mississippi, where she was a member of the Usher Board; after moving to Chicago, she joined the Rising Sun MBC; she later transferred her membership to the Inspirational M.B. Church, where she served on the Usher Board; she returned to the Rising Sun MBC under the leadership of her son, Rev. Matthew L. Miller, where she served as an usher and on the Mother's Board; she attended Bible class, every church outing, and Sunday school every week; she diligently worked on her bible class and Sunday school assignments; she shared her wisdom with the younger church members and her family; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear volunteered at Thomas A. Hendrick School, where she was an active member of the PTA and the Community Advisory Board; she loved attending her sons' and grandsons' high school and college football games, where she was the loudest cheerleader in the stands; she enjoyed traveling and visited cities throughout Germany, France, Great Britain, and the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear was known for being kind and compassionate; she instilled in her children the importance of education; her greatest joy was being a mother to her children and many other children in the community; she will be missed; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear was preceded in death by her siblings, Clara, Leon, Corinthia, Lazarus, Glotha, David, Josephine, and Albert; her daughter, Stephanie Clear; and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Essie Clear is survived by her children, Dr. James Miller (Olivia), Rev. Johnny L. Miller (Gynetta), Rev. Leon Miller (Patricia), Rev. Matthew L. Miller (Pam), Katie Miller, Donald Mattox (Tanya), Vivian Clear, Col. Samuel Clear, Michelle Williams (Jerry), LCDR William Clear (Regina), and Marcise Clear; 35 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; her brother, Davis William; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Essie Mae "Dear" Clear 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 Essie Clear as an expression of our deepest sympathy.