HR0051 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0051 LRB099 04133 MST 24153 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Alfred Edward "Buddy" Watson of Chicago, who passed away on December 20, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson was born in Halls, Tennessee on August 25, 1934 to Joseph Lewis and Mary Ella (nee Roundtree) Watson; he graduated from Lauderdale County High School in Tennessee and attended Tennessee State University; he studied at Central YMCA College in Chicago for real estate law, sales, and management, and then at Loop College (now Harold Washington College) for urban development in real estate; he married Naomi Lawrence on April 21, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson began his career working for the Chicago Transit Authority; he was Vice-President of Real Estate at the Supreme Life Insurance Company of America for 11 years, Life Safety Inspector for the Cook County Department of Education for 4 years, and Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Building and Zoning; he retired in 2011; he served in Cook County Government for 28 years; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson was active in Democratic politics; he was Precinct Captain for the 4th Ward Democratic Organization, President of the 4th Ward Young Democratic Organization, Central Area Chairman of the Young Democrats of Illinois, and the Advisor to the 8th Ward Committeeman; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and then Life Center C.O.G.I.C.; he could often be seen spending time with neighbors, snow blowing, and mowing his lawn with his dog, Bullet; he enjoyed dressing up as Santa to entertain children during Christmas; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Cleve Watson; and his 2 siblings, Dr. Ruby Watson-Jackson and Dr. Charles E. Watson; and

WHEREAS, Alfred Watson is survived by his wife of 57 years, Naomi; his 4 children, Toya Medford-Rainer, Crystal Mock, Alfred (Beverly) Watson, and Joseph (Jamilah) Watson; his 12 grandchildren; his 11 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Dr. L. Marilyn Watson and Dr. Marian L. Watson; his sister-in-law, Parthenia L. Manning; and a host of nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Alfred Edward "Buddy" Watson, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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