Memorial Resolution for Eula V. Ridgeway
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this Chamber learns of the unfortunate departure of Eula V. Ridgeway on March 24, 2018; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been notified of her passing by the Honorable Toni Foulkes, Alderman of the 16th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Eula was born on January 24, 1935, to Sarah Belle and Drummond Ridgeway in Pushmataha, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Eula graduated from the Choctaw County High School in Butler, Alabama. She later pursued higher education; and
WHEREAS, The love of Eula's life, Lee D. Ridgeway, and Eula were united in holy matrimony on December 28, 1952; and
WHEREAS, When Eula moved to Chicago, Illinois, she immediately joined the West Englewood United Methodist Church in 1972. She served as a Pastor Parish Cahir Person, Administrative Board Chair, Finance Chair and Lay Speaker, among many other positions; and
WHEREAS, Eula's faith could easily be felt through her voice. She was consistently the lead singer for the West Englewood United Methodist Church Inspirational Choir beginning in 1972. Her favorite song was "Lord, Don't Move that Mountain!;" and
WHEREAS, Aside from her active church life, Eula worked for the United States Postal Service. She eventually worked for the Chicago Police Department as a crossing guard. She then obtained a position working for former Mayor Harold Washington in the Office of Inquiry and Information as a Communication Specialist. She retired after twenty-five years of faithful service; and
WHEREAS, Eula's legacy remains with: husband, Lee D. Ridgeway; children, Gloria D., Glenda F. (Lonnie V.), Charlayne E. (Brian), Cassandra L, Dwayne D. (Tanya) and Lee E., all of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Keshia, Kena, Kellie (Jesse), Lamesha, Jassmine, Taryn, Tatiana, Teya, Javia, Tayvia and Kameron; sisters-in-law, Lola, Dannie, Bernice G. and Bernice R; brothers-in-law, Charlie and Rufus; godson, Lloyd Blue; and a host of family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Eula is preceded in death by: sisters-in-law, Dolores and Novella; brothers-in-law, Clarence, Andrew, Reginald and Jesse; and parents, Sarah Belle and Drummun Ridgeway; and
WHEREAS, Eula led an admirable life of courage and strength. Her family and friends will carry on her legacy of grace, kindness and dignity; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this eighteenth day of April, 2018, do express our sorrow on the passing of Eula V. Ridgeway and extend to her family our sincerest condolences.