SR1697 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1697 LRB099 21265 MST 46827 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois State Representative Shirley Marie Jones of Chicago, who passed away on March 20, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones was born in Chicago to Elisha and Bessie Jones on November 9, 1939; she joined Holy Family and St. Sabina parishes; she attended Smyth Elementary School and Cregier and Crane high schools on Chicago's West Side; she later attended George Williams College; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones' athleticism as a young lady molded her career; she was an exceptional volleyball player, avid golfer, bowler, and a fan of all sports; she was a physical education instructor at several Chicago park locations; she rose through the ranks of the Chicago Park District for a career that lasted nearly 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones' political career grew from her precinct work in the powerful "1st Ward", to seven terms in the Illinois General Assembly; she championed legislation for seniors, public aid, and consumer rights; she served on many committees and chaired the Public Utilities Committee; under her leadership, the utility deregulation legislation that revamped Illinois was written; upon retirement, after several unopposed terms as State Representative, she became a lobbyist for Commonwealth Edison until her full retirement; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones was a member of several clubs and organizations and served on several boards, including the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Organization of Black Elected Women, and the Red Hatters; she also assisted many not-for-profit organizations, including the Cathedral Shelter, the Duncan YMCA, and the Campaign for a Drug Free Westside; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones was affectionately know as "Aunt Shirley"; she was a member of Apostolic Church of God; her family was the most important thing in her life and she coordinated most of the holiday parties, trips, gatherings, and Bid Whist nights for her family and friends; she also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones was preceded in death by her siblings, Alberta, Roberta, Earskin, and Allen, and her son, Darryl; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Jones is survived by her beloved husband, Harold Neal; her daughter, La Keisha Jones; her three sisters, Gladys (Willie), Irene, and Betty (Leonard); her brother, Phillip; her 7 grandchildren, Darryl, Nick, Nakia, Jarrett, Brittany, Darnesha, and Aiyanna; her two great-grandchildren; her goddaughter, Shonnie; her stepdaughter, Telecia; her sister-in-law, Peggy; her brother-in-law, Lamont; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois State Representative Shirley Marie Jones, 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 Rep. Jones as an expression of our deepest sympathy.