HR0108 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0108 LRB103 31245 MST 58258 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland, who passed away on February 16, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was born in Gary, Indiana to Cornelius Smith and Rosia Ann Cumberland-Smith on November 11, 1928 and spent her formative years in Jackson, Mississippi; she excelled at both Sally Reynolds Elementary School and Jim Hill High School; she graduated from the Jackson College for Negro Teachers (Jackson State University) with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; she did advanced degree work at Indiana State University; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland began her teaching career in McComb, Mississippi and eventually returned to Jackson to teach at her alma mater, Sally Reynolds Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland married Bernard H. Eiland in 1953, and they eventually settled in Chicago, where they attended Olivet Baptist Church; she taught in the Ford Heights and East Chicago Heights school districts; in 1970, she joined the Chicago Public School System and began teaching at Myra Bradwell Elementary School; she went above and beyond the requirements of the classroom and would often form personal relationships with many of her students; as a result of her efforts and dedication, she was a multi-year honoree in Who's Who Among American Teachers & Educators; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was passionate about her community; she served as a board member for Grandma's House for Battered Women and the Joint Negro Appeal; she sponsored the Myra Bradwell Chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club and the Red Circle Girls of Olivet Baptist Church; she was also a faithful member of the St. Stephens Lutheran Church for over 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland retired from teaching for the Chicago Public School System after 53 years but continued to stay active; she became a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, while also working with pregnant teenage girls; she enjoyed spending time with her family, babysitting, talking with her friends, traveling, and continuing to educate and encourage all those she encountered; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Eiland; her parents; her brothers, Prentiss Smith, Cornelius Smith II, and Daniel Cumberland; her sisters, Ophia Dee and Mary Rembert; her niece, Sandra D. Smith-Edwards; and her nephew, Fredrick A. Smith; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland is survived by her daughter, Harriet; her sisters-in-law, Sarah Williams and Dorothy Lewis; her family members, Marvin (Anitra), Frederic "Bernie" (Theresa), Chris (Dominique), Marcus, Andres, Abraham, Terrence, Daniel, Darryl, Phillicia "Nikki" (Calvin), Sheryl D. (Earl), Ava (Andrew), Darla, Stephanie, April, and Tiffany; her special sisters, Yvonne Best, Dr. Lois Sherman, Gladys Norwood, and Carmen Clark; her special son, Donald Reese Sr.; her special neighbors, Mario Tillman and Flora Stone; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, students, and loved ones; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland 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 Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland as an expression of our deepest sympathy.