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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. BONNIE MARIE SMITH
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst Dr. Bonnie Marie Smith, age 90; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie Marie Smith, was born on August 24, 1936, in Emmet, Arkansas, was the daughter of Elizabeth Muldrew and M. S. Muldrew. Both parents had twin brothers. Her spiritual foundation was established at Shady Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is now known as the United Methodist Church and she also found a community at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, where she frequently joined in worship; and
WHEREAS, following the conclusion of World War II, Bonnie and her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and at the age of 16, she graduated from Hyde Park Academy and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science (Biology) degree from Chicago State University, formerly known as Chicago Teachers College; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, Bonnie and Jerry T. Jones were wed at Grant Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bonnie and Jerry T. Jones became the parents of Jerome Tytus, Valencia Michelle, and Bretrand Frederick. Valencia and Jerome predeceased Bonnie Marie; and
WHEREAS, in 1969, she was honored with the prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship, which granted her a highly sought-after sabbatical leave from the Chicago Board of Education. She furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Master of Arts (Biology) degree from the University of Chicago and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Throughout her extensive academic and professional career, she dedicated herself to the fields of biology, biochemistry, and research-based science curricula development. Notably, she served as a science and biology teacher within the Chicago Public School System from 1963 to 1972 where her first assignment was DuSable and her last one was Fenger High School; and
WHEREAS, at Indiana University in Bloomington and Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), she taught instructional strategies and teaching methods to Education majors. Over several years, while working in Indianapolis, Indiana, she held the following positions: Science Department Chair, School District Curriculum Coordinator for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Research Specialist, Coordinator of Elementary and Secondary Act Federal Programs, and other specially funded programs, ranging from discretionary and categorical grants such as gifted and talented programs through awards under the Indo-Chinese Refugee Assistance Act of 1975; and
WHEREAS, during the 1980s, Bonnie made a significant contribution to instructional computer history through her doctoral dissertation. The dissertation examined the utilization of microcomputers by science teachers in both classroom and laboratory settings; and
WHEREAS, in 1989, she was honored to serve on the American Association for the Advancement of Science Project 2061, which focused on science literacy, “what every American should know and be able to do” in the areas of science, mathematics, and technology. She was a member of the initial work groups to develop Benchmarks and Standards for Science Education Literacy; and
WHEREAS, her professional career encompassed roles such as Graduate Assistant in Grants and Contracts, Program Development, Proposal Writing for Funding, Monitoring and Evaluating Program Implementations, and Overseeing Fiscal Accountability. Subsequently, after serving as the District of Columbia (D.C.) State Director of Grants Administration, she retired from the D.C. Government in 1998. Prior to her retirement, she had established her own company, TechnoScript. Regardless of whether she was writing proposals to secure grants, developing bids for contracts, or crafting literary prose, her unwavering focus remained on “Writing it Right.”; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie firmly believed in and exemplified lifelong learning, including learning to ice ski in Vail at the age of 65 and taking to the slopes in Switzerland. While working in Washington, D.C., she was actively involved in the local government in developing education program partnerships among the District of Columbia Public School System, technology-related corporations, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through the groundbreaking Southeastern Consortium of Minorities in Engineering (SECME), a precursor to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie Marie was an educator’s educator, renowned for her wisdom, intellect, and perseverance. She was an advocate for excellence, consistently upholding high standards. Although she studied under many exemplary teachers, she held her exceptionally talented grandmother, Mrs. Larlue Cheatom Henderson, in the highest regard, considering her to be her greatest teacher; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie’s passion for travel extended beyond her immediate surroundings, encompassing both domestic and international destinations. Her journey commenced in southwestern Arkansas and subsequently traversed Northeastern Illinois, Central Indiana, Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and ultimately culminated in Georgia in 2006. Throughout her travels, Bonnie embarked on international expeditions with colleagues and her cherished family, creating indelible memories in countries spanning nearly every continent; and
WHEREAS, during a pilgrimage to Egypt and Jerusalem in the late 1990s, Bonnie renewed her baptismal vows and was baptized in the Jordan River. She was confirmed at The Cathedral of Saint Philip in 2007 and became a dedicated member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Bonnie served her church with unwavering commitment, contributing to the Saint Paul’s Prayer Team and the St. Catherine/St. Cecelia Circle; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie demonstrated unwavering dedication to her community, embodying professional, social, and civic responsibility. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades from both national and international institutions. Notably, she holds memberships in esteemed professional organizations, including: the National Science Teachers Association and the Hoosier Association for Science Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma International, Phi Delta Kappa, the International Society for Educational Planning. and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development She was a charter member of the Indianapolis Circle City Chapter of 100 Black Women, and after relocating became a member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie was a courageous individual who was widely admired and respected by those who knew her. Her well-lived life serves as a valuable gift to us, offering hope, strength, and grace. It is a legacy of joy, hope, pride, pleasure, and a lasting memory that loving hearts will always cherish; and
WHEREAS, Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers• Jessie V. Williams, David Alan Williams, sisters - Nannie Smith, Darlene Smith and Elvena Renee Williams; and
WHEREAS, she is survived by her son Bretrand (Candace LaDonne) Jones; one sister, Barbara A. Davis; two brothers. Maurice Williams and Rodney Williams; grandchildren, Michael (Natalie) Banks, Valencia M. (daughter of Dwana Roby) and Julia A. M. Jones (Daughter of Marcia Jones), great-grandsons, Nuri and Nile Banks, and Jahvi and Jah'Siah Jones; bonus grandchildren Crystiona and Alex Maiden, Tika Rayson, Ashton and Ramond Walker; and great-grandchildren, McKell Morgan, Riley Mellis, Maleenah and Legend Walker, and Prince Smith;
WHEREAS, Bonnie was blessed by the devoted care of her friend Daisy Christie, the members of her church Prayer Group and their families; her dear friends the Johnson's - Pearl is "Gene," Gail, and their son Justin; the lmara, Eaton, and Parker families; her colleague Dr. Stella Pia; many loving relatives, longtime friends; and her caring neighbors from Atlanta's Regency Park and Falls Church's Charing Cross communities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor the life of Bonnie Marie Smith as a distinguished member of the community and exemplary public servant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy be presented to the family of Dr. Bonnie Marie Smith so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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