A CHICAGO CITV COUNCIL RESOLUTION HONORING MRS. HELEN DULANEY JOHNSON ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
WHEREAS, It has been the long-established custom of the Chicago City Council, this August Legislative body, to honor the lives of those distinguished individuals whose life, work and civic endeavor serve to enhance the quality of life for Chicagoans; and
WHEREAS, We acknowledge Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson, who was born September 16, 1919 in the town of Warren, Ohio to the loving union of her parents, Mr. Spurgeon and Mrs. Ethel DuLaney. An enthusiastic student, she attended elementary school and is a proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. Following graduation, she began her career in retail, working at Strauss Department store in the cosmetics department, where she provided exemplary service and developed a fiercely loyal, multi-ethnic and intergenerational clientele, from whom she learned several languages; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson is a talented, multi-faceted woman, long active in cultural endeavors and the arts. She was also a noted actress whose career spanned several decades of Black theatrical performances across the U.S. Blessed with a beautiful mezzo soprano voice, she still sings, plays the piano and is beloved, respected and known as an outstanding individual. She is also considered a person of an overwhelmingly generous community spirit, and a woman deeply dedicated to her family, friends and her community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson was married to Mr. Lazarus Johnson and they had one daughter, Loretta. Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson remains physically active, never owned a car, preferring to walk to her destinations. She was well-known for her multi-mile treks on various duties across Warren, Ohio, a practice she continued upon relocating to Chicago's 8th Ward, Calumet-Heights area several years ago; and
WHEREAS, In addition Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson and her husband successfully raised their college-educated daughter Loretta, who subsequently along with her husband in turn raised Mrs. Johnson's three highly educated and accomplished grandsons - - a medical doctor, an Atlanta-based attorney and an educator like herself. She also cherishes her nine great-grandchildren, all of whom have impressive resumes. Some are pursuing their master's degrees in various fields. One great-grandson is studying to be neurosurgeon, another working toward his degree in urban planning and three great-granddaughters are also interested in medically-related fields: an aspiring gynecologist, a psychologist and a physician's assistant. Further, Mrs. Johnson's achievement-oriented family also includes two artistically-inclined, college-educated young women - a ballerina and a theatrical performer. Finally, another great-grandson is a future mechanical entrepreneur; and
WHEREAS, Her dynamic personality, vision and her positive outlook have fueled the many successes in Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson's distinguished career and life. To this day, she still embodies her signature calm, loving spirit and compassionate heart. To her many friends, extended family and local neighborhood admirers - she is the epitome of the strong individual character that our great city of Chicago was founded on; and
WHEREAS,. The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees and Rules, has apprised this August body of Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson, and her exemplary achievements and accomplishments; now,
THEREFORE Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered here this 18th day of September 2019 A.D., do hereby salute Mrs. Helen DuLaney Johnson and extend to this outstanding citizen our very best wishes for continuing success and fulfillment as she celebrates her 100th year of life; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Mrs. Heleji, DuLaney Johnson as a token of our gratitude and esteem. ~
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