SR0648 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0648 LRB096 21277 GRL 37198 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mattie Blasingame-Townsend, who passed away on February 12, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend was born on August 7, 1934, in Roberta, Georgia; her parents were Carrie Lee Reeves-Preston and Arthur Reeves Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend attended Reeves Public School; after finishing school, she married the late Charles West Blasingame in 1950; she moved from Roberta, Georgia to Chicago in 1955 with their 3 small children; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend served God faithfully throughout her life and committed herself to constant Christian growth; she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the Olive Grove Baptist Church in Roberta, Georgia; after moving to Chicago, she joined the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she served on the usher board; she later moved to the South Side of Chicago and joined the Evangelical Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir; after several years at the Evangelical Baptist Church, she joined the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 20 years and served on the usher board, nurse's board, and the missionary society; she then moved to the Emanuel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Pauline Hale Mission Group, Sunday School class 85, A Golden Ager, and the August Circle; she remained at the Emanuel Baptist Church until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend was employed for many years at various companies, including RR Donnelley as a machine operator, Leaders Laundry, Schultz Bakeries, and Ashland Products; she was well known at her jobs as an exceptional employee; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend enjoyed music, cooking, and gardening; her favorite moments were to gather with family and friends for good food, fun, and laughter; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend was preceded in death by Lizzie "Mama Lizzie" Jordan; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Wilbur Townsend; her children, Mable (Milton), Zachary (Felicia), Michael (Karlet), Anita (Eddie), Dilbert, Trina/Charles, and Elonda; her grandchildren, Rhonda, Crystal Regina, Ronnie, Monique, DaQuamj, Tyrell, Choloe', Jessica, Michael, Chie'ta, William, and Imepomaka (Ime); her great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Marquis, Michael, and Landen; her sisters, Annette Blasingame and Lilly Young; her brothers, Henry Reeves and Amos Reeves; and her many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mattie Blasingame-Townsend will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as a funny, kind, and compassionate wife, mother, and friend; therefore, be it

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

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mattie Blasingame-Townsend as an expression of our sympathy.