MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Melvin Lee, most beloved citizen to his eternal reward, November 7, 2015; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Melvin, the youngest of 7 children, was born on August 24, 1953 in Brownsville, Tennessee to the union of the Talton Lee, Sr. and Polly Taylor Lee. At the age of 2 Melvin and his family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. He accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 12 in the company of his sister, Alice; and
WHEREAS, Melvin's childhood was fun-filled and adventurous. His education began at Jenner Elementary School then graduating to Dewitt C. Cregier Vocational High School where he developed an interest in cars, majoring in Auto Mechanics; and
WHEREAS, Melvin married Debra Williams on May 24, 1977, a union that lasted until her passing on July 7, 1994. They were blessed with two adorable sons, Damien and Armond. Later, Melvin met and married his current wife, Karen Barnette-Lee on March 25, 2002. Along with the rest of the family, she faithfully stood by his bedside until he passed on to Eternity; and
WHEREAS, Melvin, known to be hardworking and strong-willed, began his career with U.S. Steel Company and ended as a Journeyman/Lineman for the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Melvin, a traveler at heart, delighted in taking his family on many road trips throughout the country. He specialized in cooking, preferring his food "well done" or as the family recalled sometimes overcooked. He relished the role of family storyteller and enjoyed working on cars; and
WHEREAS, Melvin was the ultimate "good man" who cherished the love of his family. He never met anyone he could not embrace as a friend nor cause to smile. His friends were many and no neighbor was a stranger; and
WHEREAS, Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Karen; four children, daughter Stacey; sons, Damien, Armond and Andre; two brothers, (the late)Talton Jr. and William; two sisters, Bobbie and Alice; mother in law, Mrs. Rachel Barnett and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this ninth day of December, 2015 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Melvin Lee and express to his family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Melvin Lee as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.
