SR0607 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0607 LRB095 20580 GRL 48594 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Brian L. Abrams Sr. of Chicago, who passed away on March 5, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. was born in Chicago on December 16, 1937; he was the sixth of nine children born to Edna Marie and Milton Abrams; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. confessed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Redeemer at an early age; in 1950, he joined the 44th Street Baptist Church in Chicago, remaining there for several years until he joined Antioch Baptist Church; after several years at Antioch Baptist Church, he returned to New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church (formerly the 44th Street Baptist Church), where he remained until his untimely passing; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. earned his associate's degree at Kennedy King College in Chicago and his bachelor's degree from Governors State University in University Park; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. was an active member of the Freemasons; he was a Past Master of Richard E. Moore Lodge #109, a Past Most Excellent Grand Priest #25, a Past Thrice Illustrious Master #1, a Past Right Eminent Grand Commander #4, a Past Eminent Prior #3, a Past Potentate of Arabic Temple #44, and a Past Lecturer and Historian for MWPHGL; he was a Founding Member of the Phylaxis Society; he was a member of the Chi Rho Fraternity; he was a member of Western Consistory #28 and an active member of the United Supreme Council; he was a Deputy for the Orient of Illinois; he was the recipient of the Meritorious Services Award in recognition of his work in the organization; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and the Chicago Urban League; he was also a Life Member of NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. was married for 44 years to his high school sweetheart, Mattie W. Mason, until her untimely passing in 2000; together, they had three children, Brian Jr., D'Wayne Anthony, and Kecia Cassandra Abrams; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his sons, Brian Jr. and D'Wayne Anthony Abrams; his brother, Roger T. Abrams; and his sister-in-law, Hattie Carter; and

WHEREAS, Brian L. Abrams Sr. is survived by his daughter, Kecia C. Abrams; his daughter-in-law, Felicia A. Abrams (D'Wayne); his grandchildren, Stormi B. (Abrams) Haggard, Kelsea C. (Abrams) Haggard, Devonne Abrams, Sincere J. James, Camille A. Abrams, Nigel C. Abrams, and Darius M. James; his great-grandchildren, Ayanna E. King, Deanna R. King, and Darius M. James Jr.; his godfather, Henry C. McAlister; his sisters, Dolores V. Abrams and Alice P. Rollins (Eddie); his brothers, Milton D. Abrams (Elizabeth), Richard L. Abrams (Peggy), John D. Abrams (Carestella), Michael H. Abrams (Barbara), and Mott C. Abrams (Elnora); his brothers-in-law, Charles Gardner, Issac Mason Jr. (Diane), and Frank S. Mason; his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Hunter, Juanita Mason, and Peggy Hardy; his companion, Gloria Boynton; his special caregivers, Lisa M. Carter and Sunceray Rodgers; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fellow Freemasons and Alpha Phi Alpha members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Brian L. Abrams Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Brian L. Abrams Sr. as an expression of our sympathy.