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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MOTHER MARY M. HOLCOMB
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners pauses to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Mother Mary Magdalene Holcomb, a woman of faith, strength, and unwavering devotion, who departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 5:05 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Mother Holcomb was born on October 10, 1926, in D’Lo, Mississippi, to Willie and Linnie Barnes, and was raised in a time of immense societal and economic challenges, which shaped her into a woman of resilience and grace; and
WHEREAS, she witnessed the tireless labor of her parents, who worked grueling hours as field hands picking cotton in the 1930s. Tragedy struck her family when, at the tender age of thirteen (13), she suffered the loss of her father to heat stroke. The death of her father was a defining moment in Mary’s life, which strengthened her resolve and deepened her faith; and
WHEREAS, her beloved mother, Ma Linnie, later remarried James Burrows, expanding their family with four siblings, Estus Barnes, Gertrude Stenhouse, Lonnie Barnes, and Gertis Anderson, all of whom preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, at the age of thirteen (13), Mary Magdalene Holcomb professed her faith and was baptized, beginning a lifelong commitment to serving the Lord. Upon relocating to Chicago, Illinois, she became a devoted and steadfast member of Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Little, where her faith remained unshaken. Her favorite scripture, Psalm 27, served as a source of strength and guidance throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, in a beautiful union of love and commitment, Mary Magdalene Holcomb married Herbert Holcomb in 1940 while he was on military leave from the United States Army. Mary resided in Oak Grove, Louisiana, during his military service in World War II, and upon his return, they moved to Chicago to be near their cherished family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mother Holcomb dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family as a full-time mother and homemaker, ensuring a foundation of love, faith, and discipline for her children. Following the passing of her beloved husband, she entered the workforce, demonstrating resilience as she took on various jobs, including serving as a nurse’s aide, before retiring in 1990 from Oak Park Oasis Skilled Nursing Facility; and
WHEREAS, Mother Mary Holcomb was the matriarch of a large and loving family who affectionately called her “Big Ma”. Mary was blessed with eight children: Eloise Betty Jefferson, Herbert Holcomb Jr., William Holcomb, Sherry Smith, Mary Holcomb, Billy Holcomb, Bessie Holcomb, and Patricia Huggins. She was the proud grandmother of 23 grandchildren, including Secretary to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Lynne Holcomb Turner; great-grandmother of 50 great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandmother of 23 great-great-grandchildren. Mary’s home was the heart of family gatherings, where she nurtured traditions, fostered unity, and provided an abundance of love; and
WHEREAS, Mother Holcomb was a beloved and proud resident of the Austin community for 54 years, where she built lifelong friendships and served as a beacon of wisdom and faith. In March 2023, she embraced the next phase of her life with grace, moving to Warren Barr Senior Residence in Orland Park, where she continued to exude joy and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life-cherishing family time, car rides, desserts, dining out, and the privilege of worshiping whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, Mother Holcomb found profound joy in her faith and took great pride in attending services at New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church with her family whenever her health permitted. Mary lived each day on her own terms, embodying grace, wisdom, and unwavering devotion until the Lord called her home in a peaceful transition; and
WHEREAS, Mother Holcomb’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her loved ones. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Patricia Huggins (Bernard), 23 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of relatives, friends, and her beloved church family at Union Missionary Baptist Church, whom she deeply adored;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, extend their deepest condolences to the family of Mother Mary M. Holcomb, honoring her life of service, faith, and love that has left an indelible impact on all who knew her; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a formal copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Mother Mary M. Holcomb, as a tribute to her enduring legacy and the profound influence she had on her community, family, and church.
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