MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF BEATRICE HOLLEY SUMLIN
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the City Council of the City of Chicago has been informed of the death of Beatrice Holley Sumlin; and
WHEREAS, God in His infinite wisdom had chosen to call His precious daughter, Beatrice Holley Sumlin home to her eternal reward Monday, May 18, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice was born December 30, 1939 in Birmingham Alabama, to her loving parents, Buford Holley and Jessie Mae Lindsey and she was their only child. She received her education from Lincoln Elementary School, Parker High School and later graduated from Wendell Phillips High School; and
WHEREAS, Symbolic of the strength and solidity of family life, Beatrice was joined in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Sumlin, a young man who was her first and only love. This loving couple moved to Chicago where they began their family; five beautiful children, Stanley, Gregory, Jesse, Aliscia and Darlehe. Betrice's mother soon moved into the Sumlin Family home to be near her daughter, son-in-law and later her wonderful grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice, a determined and hard working woman, moved her family out of the projects of Cabrini Green and into their first home. As a vested member in her community she first began working as a volunteer for the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization under the direction of the late Committeeman John H. Stroger, Jr.; she gained employment as a Deputy Sheriff of Cook County; a clerk for the Markham Courthouse and later held an executive position for the Cook County Department of Highway; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice Holley Sumlin was a dynamic public speaker, and for over three decades she was the Committeewoman of the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization. Her hard work, loyalty and dedication to the citizens of her grateful community will remain embedded in the hearts of all who knew and loved her; and
WHEREAS, In a lifetime filled with inspiration and strengthened by a solid religious foundation, Beatrice faithfully served and joyously participated with the congregation of New Hope MB Church for twenty-six years. She raised her beautiful voice in song as an active member of the choir; and
WHEREAS, Among Bea's many talents was her creativity when it came to cooking delicious meals. Family, friends and acquaintances would rave about her mouth-watering main courses and delightful desserts; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice Holley Sumlin will be deeply remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and neighbor. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her children, Stanley Sumlin (Janice), Aliscia
Jones (Michael), Jesse and Darlene Sumlin; her grandchildren, LaNeesha Givens (Kevin), Christa Talbott (Sean), Rashaad and Darrell Riely, Ayanna Sumlin, Brian Barker, and Brandi Nelson; her great-grandchildren, Nehmiah Barker, Nia and Imani Talbott; her sister, Delores Fields, a very special niece, ZsaZsa Fields and a great niece Torrey Cofield and a host of extended family and many precious friends. Her devoted husband, Thomas Sumlin and loving son, Gregory Sumlin preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Beatrice Holley Sumlin imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics has informed this august body of the passing of this outstanding member of the community; now therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this seventeenth day of June, 2015 A.D., do hereby offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones of Beatrice Holley Sumlin and express our sorrow on her passing.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Beatrice Holley Sumlin.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman 8th Ward