TRIBUTE TO OCTAVIA BALL
WHEREAS, In His Infinite Wisdom, Almighty God has granted his devoted servant, Octavia Ball, eternal rest on January 26, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her transition by the Honorable Toni Foulkes, Alderman of the 15th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Octavia Ball was born on May 19, 1940 to Pearlie Kennedy and Henry Lee Kennedy. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and united with Big Jerusalem M.B. Church in Ackerman, Mississippi. She received her education in Mississippi and graduated in 1959 from Ackerman High School; and
WHEREAS, Octavia moved to Chicago in 1959 and began to make it her home. She captured the heart of the young man who was to become her husband of 44 years, James C. Ball. They shared many memorable moments, and the Ball Family home was blessed with laughter, happiness and five loving children. In 2001 Octavia and James adopted a baby boy whom they named Jamie; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Octavia was a faithful member at Cannon Temple M.B. Church and participated joyously with the congregation. She served on the Usher Board and the Mothers Board; and
WHEREAS, Octavia was employed with Time & Life for several years, and in 1989 she began working for the American Bar Association. She was a dedicated employee and gained the respect of her co-workers and in 2000 she retired to take care of her husband James and their son, Jamie; and
WHEREAS, Octavia Ball leaves behind to mourn her loss, her loving and devoted husband, James C. Ball. Sr.; three sons, James Jr., Jay and Jamie; three daughters, Charlene, Tammy (Renard) and Sapheria; one stepdaughter, Vickie; sixteen grandchildren, Temeka, Tenithia, Iesha, Sade', Jacquez', Amber, Keith, Eric, Japhun', Demone', Leo, Jamika, Kira, Jalen, Enjoli and Elyse; five great grandchildren, Tori, Aubri, Keshaun, Jade and Asani; two sisters, Rosie and Florestine; a brother, Lincoln Charles, eights sisters-in-law, Mary, Lily (Chuck), Irene (Frank), Louise, Betty (Otis), Viola, Mae Lee, Rosie (Dave); five brothers-in-law, Joe (Goodna), Finest (Ann),Luke, Jerome, and Jack; an aunt, Delores and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends; and
WHEREAS, Octavia Ball's uplifting and affectionate personality towards people made everyone love her. Her family and friends were blessed to have the presence of a woman like her. She brought happiness and joy to her family and community. She was an inspiration and a sign of hope for others; and
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City of Chicago City Council, assembled this 13 th day of February 2013 A.D., do hereby express our sincere sorrow at the passing of Octavia Ball and extend our deepest condolences to her family and all those whose lives she touched.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of
Octavia Ball.