title
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, Mothe...
Click here for full text