SR0692 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0692 LRB095 20965 KXB 49988 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lester B. Long, Sr., of North Chicago, who passed away on April 17, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Lester B. Long, Sr., was born on February 15, 1920, in the town of Phillip, Mississippi, the son of Walter Long and Hallie Griffin; Lester B. (a.k.a. Chippie/Uncle BB) confessed a belief in Christ at an early age and was baptized and attended Haywood Chapel AME Church in Phillip, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Wanting a better life for himself and his family, Lester migrated to North Chicago; he decided to serve his country and joined the United States Army, serving with honor in the Philippines and Guam; upon discharge, he secured a job with the Waukegan Tannery, where he worked for 32 years; when the Tannery closed he was employed at the American Can Company for 10 years and then retired; and

WHEREAS, As an active member of First Corinthian MB Church, Lester served under Pastors Porter, Goudeaux, and Roberson; he loved working for his church and serving his community; a few of the positions he held include President of the Senior Choir, a member of the Mission Choir, Chairman of the Trustee Board, a disciple in the Pageant play "He decided to Die", Vice President of the North Shore Anglers Fishing Club, Commander of American Legion Post #397, Patron and Grand Patron of Martha Chapter #1 OES, Wishful Grand Master and Master of David Worthington Lodge# 1, and Potentate of the Grand Lodge of John G. Jones Affiliate AM and FM; and

WHEREAS, He leaves to share precious memories his wife of 60 years, Gracie; his sister, Mattie Lee Glover; his brother, Willoby (Barbara) Long; his sisters-in-law, Pearl Long Pitts, Dolly Coleman, and Guynell Long; his sons, Lester Long Jr., John (Eddie Pearl Lucky) Watts, and Reverend William (Marva) Watts; his daughters, Maggie Butler, Sugar Young, and Lynn Jeffries; his fifteen grandchildren, his fourteen great-grandchildren, his two great-great-grandchildren, and his Godson, Jerry Pride; he also leaves a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, and friends; and two special friends, Gary Shorter, who was there to just talk, and Michael McBride, who picked him up and took him to church whenever he wanted to go; 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 Lester Long, Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lester B. Long, Sr., as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.