SR0270 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0270 LRB095 12566 GRL 37805 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Purvis Smith of Alton, who passed away on June 18, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Purvis Smith was born on October 19, 1928 in Clarksdale, Mississippi; his parents were Simon and Millie (Miller) Smith; he married the former Norma Jean Madison; and

WHEREAS, Purvis Smith was a U.S. Army veteran; he received his formal education in Clarksdale; he was a foreman at Laclede Steel Company for 40 years until his retirement in 1991; he was a lifetime member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and Dunbar Masonic Lodge 97; and

WHEREAS, Purvis Smith was a political advocator; in the 1960's he marched for civil rights to abolish the Jim Crow laws plaguing the country; and

WHEREAS, Purvis Smith was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his son, Willie T. Smith; and his siblings, Octavia Campbell, Rosie Wilkerson, Carrie Turner, Ara Conley, Lela Murray, Maggie Patterson, Emma Moore, and Nan, Mary, Sonny, William, Malloy, Charlie, and Simon Smith; and

WHEREAS, Purvis Smith is survived by his son, Brian (Gina) Williams; his daughters, Machell (Sidney Turner III) Williams, DeeSheryl (Gregory) Walker, and Norma Jean James; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Wreary Bounds; his special nephew, Ramon Lacey; his brother-in-law, Joseph (Ruby) Madison; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Purvis Smith; and be it further

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