SR0774 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0774 LRB100 13596 MST 28216 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Theresa "BeBe" Boutte, who passed away on July 17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte was born in Alexandria, Louisiana to Murrell and Blanche Evangeline Toussaint Gonzaque on August 5, 1930; she attended elementary school in New Orleans and Alexandria and high school in Opelousas; she earned a degree in music education from Xavier University (XULA), where she sang in operas and performed nationally in the choir; she married Alvin Boutte during her senior year; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte began teaching at St. James Catholic High School in Alexandria when her husband was away at Officers Training School with the United States Army; they spent time stationed in California and Kansas; and

WHEREAS, After arriving in Chicago, Barbara Boutte and her husband launched their successful drug store chain, Independent Drug Stores, Inc.; she was a strong supporter of her husband as he moved from the drug store business and became president and CEO of Independence Bank; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte and her husband were ardent supporters of Chicago community and cultural organizations and especially the civil rights movement; they often hosted meetings at their home with civil rights and civic leaders; one of her final public outings was the dedication of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Memorial in Marquette Park; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte was a member of St. Dorothy Parish and then St. Clotilde Parish; she served on the school board, the leadership committee, the Women's Club, and chaired several church fundraisers; she sang in the choir, playing both the organ and piano for Mass, and performed at other church functions; for years, she served on the National Committee for the Sainthood of now St. Katherine Drexel, the matriarch of Xavier University of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte held leadership roles in the Pharmacist's Women's Auxiliary, Chicago State University TAGgers, the March of Dimes, Good Samaritans, the Provident Women's Auxiliary of Provident Hospital of Cook County, the Kennedy-King Choir, the Proscenium Players, the United Negro College Fund's Women's Division, the American Association of University Women, the Lyric Opera-Bravo Chapter, the XULA Alumni Association, the Holy Ghost Catholic School Alumni Association, and the Chicago Federation of Musicians; she was instrumental in raising funds to build the new Provident Hospital, the 53rd Street YMCA, and she worked tirelessly year-round to ensure the success of the United Negro College Fund's Annual Ebony Fashion Show; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte was affectionately known as "Mother Too" and "Grand MaMa" to many; she was a phenomenal bridge player and belonged to several clubs for almost 60 years: Queen of Diamonds, Tally-Up, Chi Burbs, Grand Slam Ma'ams, the 87th Street Bridge Club, and several others; she enjoyed hosting an annual New Year's soiree, a Halloween gala, bridge parties, and political fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte was known for her style, beauty, talent, and caring heart; she was also known for her red beans and rice, smothered okra, jambalaya, and gumbo; her recipes were so acclaimed that they were published in The Chicago Defender and praised by all who were lucky enough to partake, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, the Young Democrats, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Boutte is survived by her children, Janice Boutte, Jeanette (Floyd) Simpson, Gregory Boutte, and Alvin Jr.; her grandchildren, Dennis, Gregory (Rachel), Phillip (Shay), Floyd III, Patrice, Crystal, and Sherida; her great-grandchildren, Darius, Lauren, Dennis, Denise, and Phillip III; her sister-in-law, Irma (Murrell Louis) Hayes Gonzaque; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her special and devoted friends known as "BeBe's Kids"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Barbara Theresa "BeBe" Boutte, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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