HR0276 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Lester E. Smith; and

WHEREAS, Lester Smith was born on June 16, 1953 in Chicago; he attended South Shore High School, where he was a letterman in baseball, basketball, and football and graduated in 1971; after graduation, he attended Northern Illinois University, where he obtained a degree in political science in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Lester Smith began his professional career at Cigna Insurance Company as an insurance adjuster; after several years with Cigna, his leadership skills were recognized and he was promoted to the position of supervisor; he left Cigna shortly thereafter to take on a position with Insure One; for the past ten years, he worked for the Office of the Special Deputy Receiver, where he was affectionately known as "The Mayor" due to his willingness to help others; and

WHEREAS, Lester Smith met the love of his life, Denise Horton, in 1997; they became husband and wife on July 3, 1999; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Lester Smith became a member of the Chesterfield Community Council, where he served as a board member; he also served as the board's President for the past four years; he was widely recognized for his leadership skills; and

WHEREAS, Lester Smith professed his hope in Christ at an early age; he was ordained as a deacon on November 16, 2008 under the leadership of Pastor Jennings of the New Life Cathedral Church; and

WHEREAS, Lester Smith is survived by his wife, Denise Horton-Smith; his mother, Corine Mills; his father, Robert L. Smith; his sister, Lorraine Smith; his mother-in-law, Bessie Horton; his nephews, Gerald and Brendon; and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Lester E. Smith; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lester E. Smith as an expression of our sympathy.