MEMORIAL RESULTION FOR LEE BERTHA BATES
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members ol this Chamber learned of the departure of Lee Bertha Bates on December 28, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed ot Lee Bertha Baics's passing by the.Honorable Anthony Bcalc, Alderman of the 9th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha Bates was born to the union of the late William and Gloria (Ludie) Newbern in Brownsville, Tennessee on January 4, 1922. She was the eldest of nine children; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha came to be affectionately known as "Bush" by all who knew her; and
WHEREAS, She attended die Mercer School for her primary and secondary education. Under the supervision of her grandmother, Lela Newbern, Lee Bertha went: on to become a well-respected midwife, delivering over 100 children; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha met the love of her life, James Bates, at Mercer Baptist Church, where bodi of their families were members. The couple married in 1941, beginning their life together in Tennessee. They were the proud parents of ten children, and relocated the family to Chicago in 1957; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was a dedicated member of many churches throughout her life, most recently the Haven of Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. John. L. Conner. She was extremely devoted to her faith, traveling to the White House as a missionary, serving the church as a deaconess, leading missionary groups, and leading her family in worship of the Lord; and
WHEREAS, Known for her kind heart and great spirit, Lee Bertha was a strong community leader, joining the NAACP, the South Shore Commission and various other civic organizations. She opened her home to children in the community, providing daycare for children of all ages and establishing her home as a "Safe Zone" for high school students; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha leaves to cherish her memory her children, James Jr., Leo (Dorothy), Elroy (Kim), Ruby, Callie (Oscar), Milton, Clyde (Tracey), Diane (Bernard) and Sharon; thirty grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; two sisters Noree (Joseph) and Lela (Robert); a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, and extended family. Lee Bertha was preceded in death by her parents William and Gloria; siblings, L.T., Alice (Lewis), William, Marlene (Odneal), Annie Lee (Willis), Callie (Estes); and son Andrew Lee; and
WHEREAS, Lee Bertha touched the lives of all who knew her through her love and caring spirit. She will be deeply missed, but the memory of her character 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, assembled this 26th ' day of July, 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Lee Bertha Bates.
Alderman, 9th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Lee Bertha Bates as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.