HR0789 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0789 LRB099 14451 MST 38560 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Marilyn Jackson of Chicago, who passed away on September 9, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was born in Chicago on October 6, 1935 to Warezeller and Cleopus Ridgner; she was educated in Chicago, attending Doolittle Elementary and Wendell Phillips High School; she accepted Christ at the age of 12 at Friendly Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop I. Favors, where she was a member until she married; she was united in holy matrimony in 1956 to Thomas Jackson, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was very humble and enjoyed her duties as First Lady, which included providing meals for special events, organizing teas as fundraisers, and clothing give-a-ways; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was a dedicated housewife; she was employed by Spiegel and retired from Carson Pirie Scott; she was active in many organizations, including Boosters for Christ, the Housewife's Club of the YWCA, and the local parent and teacher's organization; her charitable work included giving out food for the holidays and being of service to all in need; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was a licensed missionary; she did everything within her power to make sure that each of her children and grandchildren knew how to have a personal relationship with the Lord; she found many ways to create lasting memories for others throughout her life; she was always encouraging others to reach their full potential and she never forgot a birthday; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was a people person; she had a kind and loving spirit and greeted everyone she met as though they were lifelong friends; she took great joy and delight in spending time with her grandchildren; her spiritual gift of hospitality and generosity was known around the nation; her home was open to family, friends, and strangers; many mission workers, visiting ministers, church members, and family have been blessed with her warm smile, open heart, and food; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, William McNabb; her 2 sisters, Juanita (Ernest) and Maggie Anderson; and her 2 brothers, Leon Ridgner (Virgina) and Cleophes Ridgner, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Jackson is survived by her husband, Thomas Jackson, Jr.; her sister, Cleola Mae Bates; her 4 children, Toby, Thomas III (Marie), Mark, and Judie; her 12 grandchildren; her 13 great-grandchildren; her special niece, Debra Ridgner; and her nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and neighbors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marilyn Jackson, 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 Marilyn Jackson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.