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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF MOTHER LORRAINE JAKES
WHEREAS, almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called Mother Lorraine Jakes from our on midst on October 29, 2015; and
WHEREAS, On September 1, 1934, Lorraine was one of four children born to the union of Hollis and Lovie Boggus in Chicago, Illinois at Cook County Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Lorraine accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 12 years old at Mount Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C. W. Jones; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 13, Lorraine began her ministry to the Lord through music. Her and her siblings attended choir rehearsal with their mother and began taking music lessons. Her music teacher recognized her musical talent and selected her to play for the gospel chorus at the Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Lorraine had an accomplished and distinguished musical career. She had the honor of playing for recording artist Mahalia Jackson and Elder James Lennox. She also played for church worship services, district associations, the Westside Minister’s Conference and before an audience of over 50,000 at the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education; and
WHEREAS, Lorraine was educated in the Chicago Public School System. After high school, she attended Herzl Junior College and studied Early Childhood Development at Loop College and Malcolm X College; and
WHEREAS, On June 16, 1957, Lorraine was fortunate to marry her true love and soul mate, Paul L. Jakes and to this union two sons were born, Paul Jr. and Martin. The two were not only partners in life but also in ministry. Lorraine supported and assisted Paul Sr. when he was called to ministry in 1963; and
WHEREAS, In 1967 Mother Jakes was a founding member and consummate “First Lady” of the Old Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Paul Jakes, Sr. was founding pastor; and
WHEREAS, In Mother Jakes twenty-five year career in Early Childhood Development, she educated and developed the young minds of children as an assistant helper and then lead teacher; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from teaching, Mother Jakes still had a thirst for knowledge. She and her husband enrolled at the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and graduated with a Certificate of Studies in Christian Education; and
WHEREAS, Since 1967, Mother Jakes served the New Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church as Christian Education Director, Missionary Society President, Anniversary Chair Person, Youth Director and the Church Musician until her health prevented her from attending church; and
WHEREAS, Mother Jakes physical presence maybe gone but she should forever live in hearts as a woman who loved and served the Lord and touched the lives of many through her music ministry.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Robert B. Steele President Pro-Tempore of the Cook County Board along with the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, do extend their deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family as well as to the many friends and loved ones of Mother Lorraine Jakes for me join them in their time of sorrow during this time of loss
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Mother Lorraine Jakes and a copy is spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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