SR0166 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0166 LRB094 12045 HSS 45202 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Mary Smith on Wednesday, April 6, 2005; and

WHEREAS, She was born on April 9, 1955, in East St. Louis to Luzia and Isom McCaleb; she was educated in the public school system of East St. Louis and received her bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and her master's degree from National Louis University; and

WHEREAS, She was employed with the Riverview Gardens School District as an Instructional Guide at Gibson Elementary School; as an educator for many years, she touched the lives of more than a thousand students as she instilled in them the power of faith, a determination to achieve dreams beyond what their environment offered, and a motivation to never give up; she was known for taking less fortunate students on trips to local department stores for school supplies and new school clothes; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith enjoyed simple things like shopping for good deals, cooking, exercising, and having fun; most will remember her as always laughing and talking on the phone, and all will remember her as being a sincere giver and a smiling helper; she was a gentle and passionate relative, a loving friend, and a dedicated worker; she always gave more than she had to help meet the needs of others; and

WHEREAS, She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and later united with St. Louis Christian Center; she was a family leader, an encourager, a supporter, and an inspiration; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Mary Smith has been deeply felt by many, especially her devoted husband, Ellis; her daughter, Nicole (Aaron) Overton; her step-daughter, Montrice (Tony) Williams; her step-son, Derrek Smith; her parents, Isom and Luzia McCaleb; her brothers, Frank (Diane) Hibbler, Melvin Hibbler, Leo (LaDonna) McCaleb, Larry (Kimberly) McCaleb, and Denarius Cannon; her sisters, Addie McCaleb, Brenda (Wendell) Mitchell, and Earlene McCaleb; her grandsons, Kahlil, Cameron, Aaron Jr. (AJ), and Isaiah; her mother-in-law, Emma L. Smith; her sister-in-law, Debra Johnson; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mary Smith, and we 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 her family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.