MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR EVERLENIA CAIN BOYCE
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Everlenia Cain Boyce most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on February 7, 2019; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia was born on August 30, 1919 in Postelle, Arkansas, the tenth of fourteen children, to the late Willie and the late Fannie Cain. She came from a humble family background with a life of many challenges that made them strong. Everlenia leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia embraced music as a young child and loved joining her sisters in song, dubbing themselves "The Friendly Sisters". She knew from a young age that the Lord had gifted her with a special voice and used her inspired gift to share the word of Jesus through song. She strongly believed that those who carry a song in their heart, will put a smile on their lips; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia met and married her beloved husband, of more than fifty years, the late Walter Boyce, himself a member of a quartet group who sang, traveled, and broadcast by radio throughout the south; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia was blessed to be an accomplished songstress and songwriter. She used this special composing ability to share her heartfelt messages in a hymn book she copyrighted and published, entitled, "Messages in Song"; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia, fondly known as Mother Boyce by her church family, joined the Light of the World Church under the pasturage of the late Bishop Jonathan Greer, Sr. Her path, as a faithful member and dedicated volunteer in many of the church's activities, led her to organizing the "Light of the World Junior Choir" and Sunshine Band. She rejoiced in traveling and singing with her fellow music-makers and they spread their shared gifts of song and faith to many different places; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia's primary focus in life was to provide a stable, warm, and spiritual loving home for her family. She joined the Christian Family Faith Center under the leadership of her grandson, Larry E. Sartin. At the Center, she generously shared her many talents and became well known for her creative words of wisdom and genuine expression of love and caring with all she knew; and
WHEREAS, Everlenia leaves to cherish her memories: her loving daughter, Minnie Sartin; granddaughter, Cynthia Sartin; brother, Isaac Cain; godson, Darryl Dyson; precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her devoted caregiver; and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended church family and treasured friends. Everlina touched the lives of many with her unconditional love, vivacious spirit, and beautiful songs. Everlenia will be deeply missed, but the memory of her character, many gifts, and her legacy of serving others will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this thirteenth day of March 2019, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Everlenia Cain Boyce; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Everlenia Cain Boyce as a sign of our honor and respect.