MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF VELMATINE WADDELL
WHEREAS, Velmatine Waddell, beloved wife, mother, and faithful member of her community, passed away on October 9, 2020; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Velmatine's passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Velmatine was born on June 14, 1948, in Holmes County, Mississippi, and was one of fourteen children born to the union of Bennie and Anna Dale Davis; and
WHEREAS, Velma, as she was affectionately known by all, graduated from Lexington High School in 1967, and went on to attend Marine Valley College to study business; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, Velma was united in holy matrimony to William Waddell in Mississippi, and, shortly after, the couple moved to Chicago to begin their life together; and
WHEREAS, Employed with the Federal Reserve Bank for 35 years, Velma was a mentor and a leader, fostering a sister and brotherhood bond with her coworkers; during her time at the bank, she was honored with the Banker Essential Award, as well as other awards recognizing her integrity and commitment to the company; and
WHEREAS, Raised in a Christian household, Velma confessed Christ as her savior at an early age; in 1971, Velma and William joined Paxton Avenue Church in Christ, where she was highly active in community outreach and served in several capacities within the church, including as Sunday School teacher, choir member, a member of the women's ministry, and the youth leader ofthe Vacation Bible School; and
WHEREAS, Velma became the First Lady of the church in 1984 when William became pastor, and served in that position for over 10 years; in 1995, Velma and William, along with other church members, continued the ministry in Dolton, Illinois, starting Grace Christian Church; Velma worked at the church faithfully until she was diagnosed with a sickness that attacked her body, but not her spirit; and
WHEREAS, Velma was a devoted wife and loving mother of four daughters and grandmother of nine grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly; she was a virtuous woman who dedicated her life to putting God first and caring for her family, and it was her strength that allowed her to fight her sickness for over 19 years; and
WHEREAS, Velma was preceded in death by her parents and four of her siblings: Sarah Lee, Mamie Johnson, Odessa Davis, and Sylvester Davis; she leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 52 years, William Waddell; four daughters, Demetria Waddell, Sharone (Dorian) Johnson, Jacqueline Waddell, and Jamie Waddell; added children, Barbara, DJ, Tarra, Monica, Monique, and Lisa; nine grandchildren, Ra'Vaughn, Kailyn, Dasan, De'Mare, De'Jare, Miya, Deion, Destiny, and Mason; nine siblings, Pattie Bums, Benia Davis, Joe (Clementine) Davis, John (Marilyn) Davis, Annie (Freddie) Hooks, Minnie (Robert) Lacy, Earl (Mary) Davis, Frank (Vanessa) Davis, and David (Bertha) Davis; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; now, therefore