SR0204 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0204 LRB094 12342 CSA 46352 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Robert Conley Berry, a 44-year resident of Chicago, passed away on May 2, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry was born on October 11, 1926, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Oliver, Sr., and Beedie Jones Berry; he was the fifth of seven boys; and

WHEREAS, He received his education in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Chicago; he was known for his electrical work; and

WHEREAS, He was the fifth son to serve his country in World War II; five brothers served at the same time in World War II and one brother was lost in action; he moved to Chicago after his discharge from the armed services; and

WHEREAS, He married Betty J. Arington; he retired after 34 years of service from the U.S. Postal Service; as a postal employee, he also served in the position of a union steward; and

WHEREAS, For many years, he was a member of Celia Gregg A.M.E. Church; he served in many capacities, including trustee, president pro tempore, secretary of the board, local lay president, and usher; he served several times as men's day chairperson and was involved in many church fundraising events; he most recently was a member of St. Mary's A.M.E. Church; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, he was elected a number of times as president of his block club; he was a member of the Dukes Social Club; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted father, husband, brother, and grandfather who was lovingly called "Pop Berry" or "Dad"; he loved to cook for his family and friends and his specialties included zucchini casserole, barbeque, and spaghetti with an unusual touch; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, John, Oliver Jr., Edward, Eugene, and Willie; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Robert Conley Berry is felt by all who knew and loved him, especially his wife of 49 years and 10 months, Betty; his daughters, Dora Clay and Vera Peterson; his son-in-law, Terry Peterson; his granddaughters, Lisa and Betty; his great-grandchildren, Wendell and Crystal; his brother, Leon; his sister-in-law, Clarice Berry, his brother-in-law, Joseph Arington; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and numerous godchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend our sincerest condolences to the members of his family and to all those who mourn the passing of Robert Conley Berry; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.