HR0748 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0748 LRB099 14198 GRL 38259 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Mr. Abraham Stiggers, Jr. and Mrs. Dorothy J. Stiggers on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy and Abraham Stiggers met in Memphis, Tennessee in 1953; a bricklayer by trade, Abraham left Memphis to work in Chicago in 1954; and

WHEREAS, After arriving in Chicago and finding work, Abraham Stiggers sent for his wife; on September 7, 1955, the two were joined in holy matrimony; their union has resulted in 8 children, 22 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Though Abraham Stiggers was a bricklayer since around the age of 14, he left the profession and became self-employed in 1971, when he became the business owner of Ms. Doll's Lounge; and

WHEREAS, Answering the call of President John F. Kennedy when he asked what she can do for her country, Dorothy Stiggers embarked on a career in nursing, where she faithfully served for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Initially, Dorothy Stiggers was not accepted into nursing school because of her race, but she petitioned the President of the United States, the Governor of Illinois, and the Mayor of Chicago; her persistence paid off and she was admitted to nursing school; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Stiggers has worked at several hospitals, including Cook County Hospital (now Stroger Hospital), Roseland Community Hospital, and the University of Chicago; she served as the Director of Nursing for several facilities and programs; for many decades, she has been a member of the National Chapter of Black Nurses Association, where she served as Treasurer for her chapter; she has also worked for the City Colleges of Chicago as an instructor; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Stiggers has been a dedicated member of Trinity United Church of Christ since 1995; she has been active in a number of ministries, including the Usher Board, the Grandparents' Ministry, and Imabasi, a health ministry; she is also a member of many service organizations; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy and Abraham Stiggers enjoy traveling; Dorothy has been to approximately 45 of the 50 states; after their 60th anniversary celebration, Dorothy and Abraham will visit the remaining states; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy and Abraham Stiggers' 60 years of marriage exemplify love in action through their commitment and service to each other, to their family, and to the community at large; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mr. Abraham Stiggers, Jr. and Mrs. Dorothy J. Stiggers on their 60th wedding anniversary and wish them many happy and healthy years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Abraham and Dorothy Stiggers as an expression of our esteem and respect.