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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF ELDER FITZGERALD BARRINGTON DAVIS
WHEREAS, Fitzgerald Barrington Davis passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021, at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing who will continue to honor his legacy of faith, unconditional love, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, Fitzgerald was born on May 15, 1944, to Barrington and Gwendolyn Davis in Kingston, Jamaica. As a child, he had a heightened interest in engineering and construction. He embarked on his interest at the tender age of 13 when he started training with one of his community’s finest carpenters. He continued to hone his skills while attending Rennock Lodge Government School and was subsequently accepted into Saint Ann Technical Trade School to pursue his interest in building, design, and construction; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation from Saint Ann Technical Trade School, he held several different positions in both the private and public sectors. Early in his career, he worked as a contractor for Gores Brothers. He was regarded as one of the best in his profession and was highly sought after. As a result, he was recruited to a supervisory position with the Pioneer Corporation and ultimately served as a contractor for the Roads and Works Department in Kingston, Jamaica. During his time as a contractor, he oversaw the development of critical infrastructure projects in and around the Kingston area including the Rennock Lodge Housing Scheme project in Rockfort; and
WHEREAS, Fitzgerald understood that his job was more than just repairing roads and buildings and that these investments in infrastructure could benefit underserved families through community development and jobs. He created programs to help young people learn trades and develop their skills. He subsequently employed many of these young people and provided them with opportunities for growth; and
WHEREAS, as a servant leader, Fitzgerald sought opportunities to empower others and care for the most vulnerable people in his community. His advocacy for underserved populations led him to a career in politics. He was elected chairman for the People’s National Party (PNP), representing the East Kingston, Rennock Lodge Community. PNP is a social democratic political party in Jamaica founded in 1938. He was also enlisted as the youth leader for the Rennock Lodge Youth Organization. During his time as chairman, he worked with government leaders to improve conditions for children and families in Kingston; and
WHEREAS, Fitzgerald emigrated to the United States in January of 1981 and settled in Rogers Park, Chicago, with his wife and five children. His first job was with St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, followed by a position with a tuckpointing company. Finally, he worked for the Village of Glencoe for 16 years where he retired in 2006; and
WHEREAS, after retirement, he continued to serve his community as a volunteer for numerous nonprofit organizations. He was actively involved with the Democratic Party of Evanston and worked as a crossing guard for the City of Evanston. Of all these roles, he enjoyed serving as a crossing guard the most. Each morning, he woke up looking forward to seeing the children along his path and brightening up their day with words of encouragement or a witty quip that made them smile; and
WHEREAS, his faith was the driving force in his life. Fitzgerald accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior at an early age and was forever thankful that he was reared in a Christian home where God was the center of his life. He lived every day intentionally for God and made it his mandate to do the work of his heavenly Father. He was an Elder at First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, Illinois, and then became an Elder at Deliverance Temple Church in Skokie, Illinois. He stood strong on his Christian faith and lived a life that exemplified the teaching of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Fitzgerald is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sonia Davis; daughters, Rose Scott and Karen Davis; sons, Byron Davis (Marie), Lloyd Davis (Loraine), Dave Davis (Tara); grandchildren, Klarissa Davis, Lloyd Davis Jr., Kayla Davis, Leah Davis, Theo Davis, and Steven Davis; and great-grandchildren, Ivy Collins and Oakley Collins. Fitzgerald also leaves behind brothers Philip Davis and Chris Davis; sisters Deloris Scott, Beverly Burnett, Angela Lodge, and a host of other loving relatives and friends who will rejoice in his memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, honors the life and work of Fitzgerald Barrington Davis, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the family of Fitzgerald Barrington Davis.
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