HR1586 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1586 LRB095 22948 GRL 53396 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Leroy Wendell Coleman, Jr., who passed away on October 28, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on August 25, 1943; he was the son of the late Leroy Wendell Coleman, Sr. and Mildred P. Coleman; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized in the Church of Christ Holiness (USA) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; after moving to Glenwood, he joined the Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. attended elementary, high school, and college in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; he earned his bachelor's degree in music from the Arkansas AM & N College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff); after moving to Chicago, he continued his education at Roosevelt University, earning his master's degree in education; he later completed the course requirements for a doctorate degree in education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. served his country as a member of the United States Naval Reserve during his time in college; he entered active duty with the United States Navy in 1967, where he was trained as a medic; he received his honorable discharge in 1969; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. was employed with the Chicago public school system for 34 years; he served in several positions, including classroom teacher, band director, and assistant principal, until his retirement in 2003; and

WHEREAS, On February 10, 1973, Leroy Coleman, Jr. was joined in holy matrimony to Glossie "Shirley" Dillard; two sons, Leroy III and Geoffrey, were born to their union; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. was an avid reader, enjoying religious and philosophical writing as well as mystery and science fiction novels; he enjoyed fishing and hunting, traveling throughout the United States in these pursuits; he was a gourmet cook, specially preparing fish, game, and other dishes for his loved ones; he also had a special love for music, volunteering his time as a pianist at the Voice in the Wilderness Missionary Baptist Church and later at the Metropolitan Church of Christ Holiness (USA) in Harvey; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Coleman, Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Glossie "Shirley"; his sons, Leroy Wendell III and Geoffrey; his sisters, Gladys (Richard) Dennis, Mary L. Coleman, Biddie A. Brown, Jennett (David) Alexander, Ella (Harold) Washington, and Sarah (Jerry) Mutua; his mother-in-law, Leola Dillard; his sisters-in-law, Jewel Dooley, Mildred (Tilman) Smith, Roxie Harris, Bessie (Reverend Norman) Walker, and Margaret (Johnny) McGlown; his brother-in-law, Swayze Dillard; his aunt, Naomi Coleman Jones; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Leroy Coleman, Jr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Leroy Coleman, Jr. as an expression of our sympathy.