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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. CORNELIUS LEVY KNOWLES
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst Dr. Cornelius Levy Knowles on Friday, April 24, 2020 at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius Knowles was born January 20, 1928 in Hallandale, Florida to Albertha and Melbourne Knowles; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius was the second of seven children, and was affectionately known as “Corky” to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius graduated from Dorsey High School in 1946; immediately worked to save money for college, and two years later moved to Washington, DC to pursue his education, undaunted by the racial prejudices that governed the South; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University in 1952, then continued his postgraduate education at the College of Medicine; however, after two years he realized his passion for dentistry and transferred to the College of Dentistry; and
WHEREAS, among his dental school class of 52 students, Cornelius received the second highest clinical average, with over seven times the requirements needed for graduation, an accomplishment all the more impressive because he did so while working the night shift at the post office five days per week; and
WHEREAS, after earning his doctorate degree in 1958, Dr. Knowles became a clinical instructor at Howard University College of Dentistry, where he served until, he moved to Chicago in 1960 to open his own practice; and
WHEREAS, in 1962, Cornelius married the love of his life, Althea and had five children, Juliette, Veronica, Malika, Carey and Stacey; and
WHEREAS, together for nearly 60 years, Cornelius and Althea supported countless charities in the community and opened their home to many family members and friends in their time of need, making everyone feel like family; and
WHEREAS, in 1988 Dr. Knowles earned a certification in orthodontics/orthopedics to better serve his patients, and would go on to serve as an examiner for the Northeast Regional Board of Dentistry for 23 years and the Illinois State Board of Dentistry for 9 ½ years; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Dr. Knowles was a member of the following professional organization for over 50 years: American Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society and Lincoln Dental Society; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius’ work ethic and focus were also evident in social and community arenas, where he spent several decades as an active member of the Midwesterners and the Unicorns organizations; and
WHEREAS, Cornelius was known for his playful wit and humor making him the “life of the party” everywhere he went, always ready to share a joke or even the same joke over and over laughing at them so much other couldn’t help but laugh along with him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Knowles was admired and respected by all who knew him, and dearly loved by his friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Knowles is survived by his adoring wife Althea, their five children, two goddaughters, five siblings, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and his loyal office manager of 52 years, Zenovia Evans;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Dr. Cornelius Levy Knowles; 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. Cornelius Levy Knowles so that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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