SR0016 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0016 LRB103 25635 ECR 51984 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Poletha "Polly" Webster of Springfield, who passed away on January 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Poletha Webster was born in Scranton, Arkansas on August 27, 1931; she started her formal education at Scranton Elementary School in Scranton, Arkansas before obtaining her high school diploma through School District 186 in Springfield, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, As a young woman, Poletha Webster moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she cashiered at the Parkview Pharmacy, served as a waitress at the famous Muehlebach Hotel, and worked as a clerk at Fifty Minute Cleaners; after realizing she possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a talent in caring for others, she began serving as a longtime foster parent and became the CEO of a home daycare, which ran for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Poletha Webster was committed to her faith, and she was a longtime member of Prayer Wheel Church of God in Christ in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Poletha Webster was known for her excellent southern style cuisine, including fried pies, homemade canned goods, soups, and pastries; she also enjoyed gardening and playing the tambourine; she will be remembered for the love she bestowed upon her family and the children under her care; and

WHEREAS, Poletha Webster is survived by her children, Maurice, Michael, Valerie, Yvonne, Linda (Leonard), and Sam Jr.; her sisters, Mary Ellen Ellenberg, Christine Hawkins, and Mary Elizabeth Thomas; her 21 grandchildren; her 63 great-grandchildren; her 12 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Poletha "Polly" Webster 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 Poletha Webster as an expression of our deepest sympathy.