SR0850 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0850 LRB095 22303 KXB 52629 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to extend their sincere condolences to our colleague and friend, Senator Donne Trotter, upon hearing of the news of his mother's passing; and

WHEREAS, Carita Nancy Louise Trotter was born February 16, 1924 in Olmsted; she was raised in Cairo by her grandmother Louise Caldwell, a music teacher at the local high school; it was under her grandmother's tutelage that she gained an appreciation for music and became an accomplished pianist and a gifted vocalist; and

WHEREAS, Carita graduated from Lane College, a historically black college in Jackson, Tennessee, where she was crowned "Miss Lane College", pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and was a member of the "Dragonettes", a traveling choral group; she was also active in numerous clubs and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Carita taught elementary school before working at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; she honorably retired with 34 years of government service; and she was a dedicated servant of the Lord; while attending a church revival, Carita caught the eye of James Trotter, the son of Reverend W. C. Trotter; they courted and were united in marriage, November 25, 1946, and to this union, three precious children were born: Darryl, Donne, and Jakita; Carita praised the Lord in a ministry of music as the organist and pianist at her father-in-law's church; a few of her favorite songs were "Open Our Eyes, Precious Lord" and "Goin' Up Yonder"; and

WHEREAS, Carita was totally dedicated to her family first and foremost, though her passion for the Chicago Bull's basketball team came a close second; she often joked that she did not enjoy cooking, but the family shares memories of her culinary skills; there are also memories of her toiling over an ironing board to perfectly starch and iron her sons' shirts until they could practically stand by themselves and memories of the fun and engaging bridge club parties she had with her girlfriends; and

WHEREAS, Her greatest gifts were her generous spirit, compassion, integrity, and quiet strength; Carita's mother, Bertha Moss, 102 years young, resides in Toledo, Ohio; and

WHEREAS, She was preceded in death by her loving sister-in-law, Jessye; her half sister, Barbara; and her beloved husband, James; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Carita Trotter will be deeply felt by her mother, Bertha; her children, Darryl, Illinois State Senator Donne Trotter, and Jakita; her grandchildren Carlotta, Darryl Jr., Natatia, and Elijah; her seven great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Carita Trotter; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Carita Trotter as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.