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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE… HAPPY 110TH BIRTHDAY JUANITA CARRERE MITCHELL
WHEREAS, Juanita Carrere Mitchell was born December 15, 1911, in Nestor Louisiana to Acklin and Bonita Carrere; and
WHEREAS, Juanita’s relocation to Chicago was in July 1919 in the middle of the Chicago Race Riots/ The Red Summer, Juanita Mitchell to this day recalls the race riots and the fear as an eight-year-old girl. Despite having to hide behind the piano in her aunt and uncles’ home she survived the race riots and survived the “Great Depression”. She attended grammar school and high school in Chicago, graduating from Hyde Park High School. Following graduation, she attended Business School and Washburne trade school where she pursued tailoring; and
WHEREAS, Juanita would later return to Louisiana, teaching in the school system. In 1934, she would marry her husband of 54 years Morant Mitchell, who also served in World War I. Juanita and Morant raised their two children John and Mary on the south side of Chicago in the community of Chatham. While living in Chatham they were very active in their block club, the Chatham Avalon Council, and PTA. In addition to Juanita’s talent in home and gardening, she used her skill set as a tailor; and
WHEREAS, Juanita remained a resident of the Chatham community for 39 years. As a member of the Chatham community, she served as a voter register, and held positions in the neighborhood block club; and
WHEREAS, In December 1996, at the age of 85 Juanita Mitchell moved to Flossmoor. Juanita has been a resident of the Flossmoor community for 24 years. Juanita has been an active participant in the community homeowner’s association and early on participated on the beautification committee; and
WHEREAS, At 110 years Juanita continues to value the importance of family and community. She places her faith in God and has a strong commitment to her family and children. Since 2019, she is limited in attending engagements but remains committed to the foundations of a great community, as being a member of the Chicago Media, the DuSable Museum, and the Order of the Eastern Stars, where she is a life member and held positions such as Worthy Matron; and
WHEREAS, Juanita is a member of Cedar Memorial Presbyterian Church where she has been an active member of the Sarah Circle and Presbyterian Women. In 2004, she received honorary membership in Presbyterian Women USA; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her life Juanita has been invested in family, church, and community.
Juanita’s interest includes reading, fashion. interior design and sewing. She enjoys gardening and sharing stories of her life and events that she has witnessed throughout her life. Juanita is active and has a sharp mind. Her ability to reconstruct events in her life is remarkable.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DEBORAH SIMS, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the 5th DISTRICT, do hereby stand and honor Juanita Carrere Mitchell on her 110th Birthday; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be presented to Juanita Carrere Mitchell;
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