A Resolution Honoring the Life of Mother Eleanor Cole Thomas
WHEREAS, Mother Eleanor Cole Thomas was born on November 6,1937 to Hudie Morris and Mildred Cole in Memphis, Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, While a teenager, her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School; and
WHEREAS, Mother Eleanor served as a volunteer in many capacities, particularly in regards to her 32-year long service to public schools in Chicago including Holmes Elementary, John Hope Middle School, Sojourner Truth School, McDowell Elementary School, and South Shore High School; and
WHEREAS, Mother Eleanor was a gifted musician and sang in the choirs at Oak Grove Baptist Church and in a family group called "The Cole Sisters" before becoming the Choir Director at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Mother Eleanor also used her culinary talents in the service of others sharing meals and stories of faith with her neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Mother Eleanor demonstrated her great faith and resiliency by overcoming a six-year battle with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Despite the cancer's return, she continued to serve her church and community before being called home on May 28, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Eleanor Cole Thomas was a maternal mother to six children, but a mother to her entire network of friends, neighbors, and family; and
WHERAS, Mother Eleanor's legacy of serving others will live on through the lives she touched, but in particular, with her son Elder Eric Thomas who now serves as the Pastor of Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the City Council ofthe City of Chicago gathered here this 25th day of June, 2014 do hereby express our condolences to the family and friends of Mother Eleanor Cole Thomas and recognize and appreciate her dedication to helping others; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Mother Eleanor Cole Thomas.
Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward