MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Dr. Gloria D. Brown, most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on July 26, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Gloria, born on December 26 in Turrell, Arkansas, was a devoted daughter of Richmond and Ethel Purdiman. She accepted Christ at an early age and was faithful servant to the Lord. Gloria was a long time member of Colonial Village Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Gloria and her late husband of over 40 years, James, were blessed with three adorable children, Raimondo, Romero and Lolita. She now joins her best friend and life partner in the Kingdom of Heaven; and
WHEREAS, Majoring in Psychology, Gloria earned multiple degrees from both Loyola and DePaul Universities. She also completed her post doctorate studies at Howard University and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology; and
WHEREAS, Gloria enjoyed a rich career path serving as a Child Psychologist for the Chicago Board of Education, Catholic Charities and Miles Square Mental Health Facility. A staunch advocate for children, she will be remembered for her diligent work to support children in their mental health and development; and
WHEREAS, Gloria lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling, delicious foods, movies, music, and dancing. But more than anything, Gloria loved and adored her children. She had an exceptional ability to build unique relationships with each of them to ensure that they always felt special. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Bay, Bay", brought her tremendous joy and she loved them with an intensity that was unsurpassed; and
WHEREAS, Gloria was a longtime charitable giver best described by her own words, "with a closed hand, nothing comes out and nothing comes in, but with an open hand your blessings overflow". Known to donate to many causes especially children and education, providing refuge to the homeless, fed the hungry and nursed the sick. A frequently sought out sage advisor, providing a shoulder to lean on and guiding hand; and
WHEREAS, Gloria leaves to join her beloved parents and siblings, Allen Jr., Elvin Purdiman and Erma Rhyne, who proceeded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories; her children, Raimondo, Romero and Lolita; four grandchildren who she adored, Gabriel, Dominique, Donald II and Regina; great-grandson, James Isaiah; brother, Justin Purdiman, three sisters, Effie Minor, Lillian Ealy, and Ann Purdiman. Her loving spiritual sisters; Daisy Joyner, Queen E. Crawford and Mettie Ward along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Gloria touched the lives of all who knew her through her kindness, generosity and spirit. She will be deeply missed, but the memory of her character, intelligence and compassion 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, gathered here this fourteenth day of September, 2016 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Dr. Gloria D. Brown and express to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Dr. Gloria D. Brown as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward