SR0761 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0761 LRB094 20598 HSS 58910 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Ezekiel "Zeke" Johnson of Chicago on Friday, May 5, 2006; and

WHEREAS, He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Chicago with his mother, Mattie Ross, when he was a boy; he graduated from Dunbar High School and joined the police department; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson spent more than 30 years on the police force, retiring as a sergeant in the late 1980s; at the time of his retirement, he was detailed to the mayor's office, primarily working on the second floor of City Hall, where the aldermen's offices are located; he then went to work for the streets and sanitation department until he retired last year; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted volunteer in the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization; it was through this group that he met his wife, Michelle Harris; they were married in 1990; he had previously been a member of the 3rd Ward organization; and

WHEREAS, He enjoyed telling jokes and teasing friends, but he also carried a quiet dignity about him; he was known to family and friends for his loyalty and generosity; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Ezekiel "Zeke" Johnson has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Michelle; his son, Andre; his daughters, Angela Johnson and Denice Simon; his sister, Gladys Pruitt; and his six grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ezekiel "Zeke" Johnson, 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.