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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF ESSIE STEPHENSON
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called Ms. Essie Stephenson from our midst; and
WHEREAS, since 1970 when Essie Stephenson joined the Chicago Police Department as a crossing guard, this outstanding citizen has shown unsurpassed dedication in promoting the public safety and welfare of the children in her charge; and
WHEREAS, since 1971, Essie has added to her assignments the direction of traffic for summer school children, the teaching and nurturing of summer camp students in arts and crafts programs for the Chicago Park District; and
WHEREAS, in addition to raising two children, David and Debee, and the love of her life grandson Prince Roy. Essie has helped to nurture the minds and hearts of many hundreds of children throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, after making sure her own children were safe and sound, she leaves her home on this city's far south side at 4:00 a.m. to travel to her post at Ashland and Barry Avenue on the north side; and
WHEREAS, Essie stood for safety through rain, sleet, snow and the dark of the winter months, often not returning to her home until well after 4:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, many children looked on Essie as family, she was asked to accompany the children on field trips, or attend their graduation ceremonies. After 50 years she finds herself being a crossing guard to children who are sons and daughters of the children she had been a crossing guard to in a previous decade; and
WHEREAS, Essie was a fixture with her winning smile and loving personality that have made a difference in the lives of many children. She had learned which child needs the extra touch, a little extra encouragement, help with clothing or even a hug; and
WHEREAS, the world can be a dangerous place for a child attempting to cross a big city street. Essie has shepherded three generations of pint sized pedestrians. Her dedicatio...
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