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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN MEMORY OF LUCY JEAN LEWIS
WHEREAS, on October 21, 2013, God in his infinite wisdom has called home Lucy Jean Lewis; and
WHEREAS, born May 14, 1932 in the small town of New Market, Alabama Lucy Jean Lewis was the loving daughter of Jimmie Roberta and Thomas Steele; and
WHEREAS, Jean's early schooling occurred in the public school system of Alabama. Later moving to Chicago in 1950, where she dropped the name Lucy and was known for many years simply as Jean Lewis, Jean continued her education at Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, Jean's passion for public service lead her to a variety of employment positions including City of Chicago War on Poverty Urban Progress Centers, a Social Worker for the State of Illinois and Director of Community Affairs for Habilitative Systems, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, understanding the needs of her west-side community Jean supported and participated in voter registration drives, HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness campaigns, and the efforts of the NAACP, SNCC, CORE and Operation Breadbasket/PUSH; and
WHEREAS, Jean also worked to improve public schools and defend the rights of senior citizens and the physically and mentally challenged. Jean was a co-founding board member and president of the Bobby E. Wright Community Mental Health Center; and
WHEREAS, Jean was the first black woman to run for alderman of the 28th ward, she was also an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention for presidential candidate Jesse Jackson in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Jean's perky, feisty, no nonsense persona as a mother, community leader, compassionate civil servant and avid card player was greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed; and
WHEREAS, Lucy Jean Lewis leaves to cherish her memory six children; Larry Lewis, James Thomas Lewis, Valerie Jennings, Michael Lewis, Cheryl Duerst, Pearl Lynn Hunt and six grandchildren; Leticia Lewis, Jennifer Hunt, Jerome Hunt, John Henry III, Timothy Henry and Aaron Johnson. Also left to remember Jean are two step-granddaughters; Stacy Whiting and Teresa Haufle, four great grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Jean also leaves to mourn her passing a sister; Maeomia Oden, four brothers; Isaiah Steele, William Steele, Sanders Steele and Anthony Steele, an aunt; Alma Readus and a host of nieces and nephews.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County hereby expresses its sincere sorrow and extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Lucy Jean Lewis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and that a suitable copy shall be provided to the family of Lucy Jean Lewis in honor of her outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life for the people of Illinois and that her rich legacy may be honored and ever cherished.
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