A Resolution Honoring the Life of Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called to her eternal rest, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown, a beloved citizen, faithful woman of God and friend, on June 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Pat Dowell, on behalf of the residents 3rd Ward & her fellow colleagues of the Chicago City Council has informed Mayor Emanuel and this august body of the passing of Mrs. Gatewood-Brown; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown was born on November 15, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of Ethel Viola Grays and Jim Rice (who preceded her in death); and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown as a young person, moved to Chicago to be with family and to explore better opportunities. She grew up in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, and graduated from Doolittle Elementary school and Parker High. She also attended Wendell Phillips High School for a couple years. She attended Chicago State and Roosevelt University, and earned her Bachelor's degree. Committed to lifelong learning, Clara also received certificates from John Marshall Law, and the US Department of Justice Enforcement Administration Law Center; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown started her career working for the City of Chicago, in the Departments of Health and Human Services, distinguished as the city's first African-American statistician. She also worked for several federal agencies: the Social Security Administration, and the Health Care-Finance Administration (HCFA), in the Regional Security Office. She successfully retired from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Department of Homeland Security after over thirty years of dedicated, professional service; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown was a vital, active and respectable citizen who resided in the 3rd Ward community for over a decade, and was deeply committed to the Bronzeville neighborhood. Mrs. Gatewood-Brown participated in many of the community outreach events, strongly supporting numerous key causes and initiatives. Some of her involvements included: serving as the recently elected President of the Local School Council (LSC), and a member of the PAC organization. Clara was also a founding member and co-chair of Housing Bronzeville, an organization of local area residents committed to preserving affordable homeownership in the legendary south side Bronzeville community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Brown had a number of wide-ranging interests. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc., and volunteered many hours with such groups as the Standing up for Bronzeville Affordable Home Ownership Program; 89th & Elizabeth Block Club; Chicago Police Department Beat Representative Program, Youth Development Center, Credit Union Recruitment Initiative, Brainerd Council Community Action Committee and DuSable Museum; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Gatewood-Brown concluded her tour of duty on this earthly plane as a retired woman who traveled widely and put her faith in action. After accepting Christ later in life - Clara became a dedicated member of Christ Universal Temple, and dynamically involved in several Church Outreach Ministries. A highly motivated woman who embraced her dreams, and focused on accomplishing her life goals in both her professional and personal life, she believed deeply in God's promise. She often profusely thanked him for directing her path. Clara was very passionate about her love for soul stirring music, stepping, line dancing, the salsa and partying for over forty-years with the Sno-Gophers, the first Chicago-area Black Ski Club; and
WHEREAS, Clara was a woman who truly enjoyed life. She declared during her last twenty four hours on this side of the mortal coil that "music and dancing made her feel GOOD!" Clara never met a stranger, and received everyone with open arms, a warm smile, generous spirit, hearty humor, and the unique ability to make all feel welcome and an important part of her extended family, and.
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown was married to the love of her life and best friend, the late Arthur Brown, Jr., (who preceded her in death) for over thirty five years. Clara will forever live on in the memories of many, but most dearly in the hearts of her loving family - sisters: Maude Shaw, Martha Whiting; brother: Harold Riley; sister-in-law: Denise "Darcel" Hayes; brother-in-laws: Edward "Clayford" (Phyllis) Brown, Everett "Clifford" (Alett) Brown, sons: Earl (Shirley) Thompson, Aaron Thompson Purnell, daughters: Lynda Thompson and Cheryl Buckner, grandchildren: Shirley, Kenya, Asia, Avery and Porsche; ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, colleagues, friends, neighbors and longtime best friend since kindergarten, Daisie "Lil Sis" King Dockery; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this 20th day of July, 2016 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Clara Gatewood-Brown and extend to her family, friends, neighbors and church members our sincere condolences.
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Mrs. Clara Gatewood-Brown.
Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward