HR1040 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1040 LRB099 20807 GRL 45520 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Theresa "Teesee" Fambro Hooks, who passed away on January 31, 2016 at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Hooks was born and raised in Chicago; she graduated from Parker (now Robeson) High School in 1953; she subsequently attended the University of Illinois, Roosevelt University, and the Art Institute of Chicago's fashion design department; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Hooks began working at the Chicago Defender in 1961, where she had many roles, such as the women's editor, society columnist, and food and fashion expert; she wrote an advice column as "Arletta Claire" and a column called "Social Whirl", which later became "Teesee's Town"; and

WHEREAS, "Teesee's Town" became one of the most popular features in the Defender; she used social events and her column as a platform to highlight individuals, groups, or organizations; a mention in "Teesee's Town" was highly sought after in the African-American social scene; and

WHEREAS, Before joining the Defender, Theresa Hooks worked in public relations in several area businesses; she formed her own agency, Teesee Fambro Hooks and Associates; she was a talented seamstress, sewing elaborate pieces and developing relationships with local boutique owners; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Hooks was the recipient of the Chicago Defender's annual Women of Excellence Award; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Hooks was a devoted member of the Trinity United Church of Christ and president of the National Association of Media Women; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Hooks is survived by her ex-husband, William Billy Hooks, III, and her stepdaughters, Jan Hooks and Dianne Gonzalez; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with her family and friends, mourn the passing of Theresa "Teesee" Fambro Hooks; and be it further

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