SR0564 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0564 LRB094 16192 HSS 51435 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of W.C. Peterson of O'Fallon on Friday, December 16, 2005; and

WHEREAS, He was born March 19, 1947, in Doddsville, Mississippi; he was a graduate of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he received a B.A. in mathematics and a Master of Education in health/physical education; he continued his education through an extensive program of math and science at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, His teaching and coaching career began in Benoit, Mississippi, and he moved to East St. Louis; he taught mathematics and coached cross-country, basketball, track, and summer AAU; he won many championships while coaching and was always encouraging, assisting and sometimes taking his athletes to college and making a contact for them; he wanted his athletes to accept the opportunities that were available for them and to succeed by using hard work and meeting their potential; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, after 30 years of dedicated service, W.C. retired from School District 189 in East St. Louis; upon retirement, he began as owner and operator of Universal Daycare and Preschool; and

WHEREAS, He was witty and enjoyed life immensely; he enjoyed traveling, helping others, and has been recognized several times through awards and citations from the PTO, Coahoma Junior College Alumni, Mississippi Valley State University, and Ruleville Central High School; in 2004, he was inducted into the East St. Louis Athletic Hall of Fame; he was a former member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis and a current member of First Baptist Church of O'Fallon; and

WHEREAS, The passing of W.C. Peterson has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife Portia, nee Hunter, Peterson; his sons; Wylan C. (Kelly) Peterson, M.D., and Marques O. Peterson, J.D.; his daughter, Portialyn Peterson; his brothers, Robert Lee (Jean) Peterson III, Coach Isaiah (Barbara) Peterson, and John L. Peterson; his sisters, Willie Francis Bailey and Lydia Ann (John) Henson; his sister-in-law, Patricia L. Snead; his aunts, Joyce M. Willis and Samella Peterson; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee and Rosiette, nee Gibson, Peterson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of W.C. Peterson, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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