Resolution Honoring the Life & Celebrating the 100 Birthday of Chicago
Resident Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment continues to show favor by granting a long life to Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell, a beloved citizen, faithful woman of God and friend, who on the afternoon of Sunday, November 20, 2016 was honored by family and friends at her 100th birthday celebration; and
WHEREAS, I Alderman Michelle A. Harris, and on behalf of the residents 8th Ward & my fellow colleagues of the Chicago City Council have informed this august body of this significant centennial birthday of Mrs. Mitchell; and
WHEREAS, History is considered by many to be a very fascinating subject. It is so much more than memorizing dates. It's also about learning and appreciating people who were born long ago. History is literally the story behind the life of each person, every trend, news headline, and major event that is happening right now; and
WHEREAS, On November 20, 1916, Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell was born in the city of Commerce, Georgia. One of three children born to her parents, she had two other siblings, both of whom are deceased; and
WHEREAS, Educated in the Georgia public school system, Mrs. Mitchell relocated to Chicago with her family, and her treasured aunt, Mrs. Margaret Bonds Thomas, in her later teens and briefly attended City Colleges. Over the years, she worked as an assistant in several area nursing homes. Later in life at the age of 55, she returned to school, and upon graduation became employed as an Activity Director at the Bronzeville Nursing Center at 35th & Indiana, in this historic south side community; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Mitchell was also an active businesswoman and entrepreneur, who for several decades was the co-owner and operator of the popular and well-known 79th Street take-out restaurant called the Chicken Shack. Mrs. Mitchell is also a dedicated woman of God who has been a faithful member of the city's legendary First Church of Deliverance for over seventy-five (75) years, which she still attends every Sunday. Mrs. Mitchell has been intrinsically involved, over the years, in numerous church programs, activities and ministries, and is fondly recognized as the longest-serving member of the church's trustee board, now under the leadership of Rev. James Bryson; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell, a widow who was formerly married to the late George Gilmore, her first husband, and her second husband Robert Mitchell, also deceased, currently still lives in her beloved home in the Calumet Heights neighborhood. However she also remains an actively engaged resident of the 8th Ward, which she has been for nearly forty years. She is perhaps best known for her engaging personality, winning smile, sense of humor and the awesome ability to get things done to better her community; and
WHEREAS, Although somewhat physically slowed by the passage of time, both her spirit and mind remains sharp and agile. Mrs. Mitchell is an avid music lover and book reader, and a committed civic arts enthusiast who greatly enjoys watching game shows, traveling and interacting with fellow residents over coffee and meals at the facility. While she never formally taught school, she is intuitively an instructor - -about life, work, community involvement and many other things - - and she happily shares this positive life philosophy with virtually everyone she meets; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Mitchell's favorite colors are black, silver and red. In addition, she loves the Christmas holidays, and she is widely known and respected in the 8th Ward community. In many ways, Mrs. Mitchell's life is a testament to the nature of a true Chicagoan - - active, engaged within her community and continually inspired to do her part to make life better for others; and
Therefore Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this 14th day of December, 2016 A.D., do hereby express our most heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful 100th Centennial birthday celebration to Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell, and extend to her family, friends, neighbors and church members our sincere happiness that she has achieved this great life milestone.
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell on the exceptionally wonderful and auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.
