RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called Rhenette Analeda Matthews Preston from this life to her eternal reward on August 25,2014, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been informed of Ms. Preston's passing by the Honorable Lona Lane, Alderman of the 18th Ward, and the Honorable Anthony Beale, Alderman ofthe 9th Ward; and
WHEREAS, a native of Chicago, Ms. Preston was second of three children born to Fred and Armentha Matthews; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Preston received her education at St. Edmund's Episcopal School, Harlan High School and Wilson Junior College in Chicago, and completed her bachelor's degree at Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota. She also took courses at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, joining the Delta Sigma Theta sorority there, and went on to earn master's degrees from both Governors State University and Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, early in her life, Ms. Preston accepted Christ and was baptized at New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, her faith led her membership at Third Baptist Church and active roles in several ministries: the Matthews Circle, Missionary Board, Marriage Ministry, and Sociable Seniors Retirement Ministry; and
WHEREAS, on August 21,1982, she was joined in holy matrimony with Bennie Preston Jr., and their union was blessed by the birth of their daughter, Krystal; and
WHEREAS, devotion to education and the joy oflhelping children to advance also characterized Ms. Preston's adult life: she taught first at St. Edmund's Episcopal School and later at Bowen, Ryder, Lane Tech, Lindblom, McCormick and Orozco schools in the Chicago Public School system; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from teaching in 2009, Ms. Preston enjoyed traveling on cruises, family vacations and weekend getaways; and
WHEREAS, always interested in working with and serving others, Ms. Preston was an active member of the Kemos Family Social Club, the 82nd/83rd Francisco Block Club, and the 18th Ward Education Committee; and
WHEREAS, Rhenette Analeda Preston is survived by her loving husband, Bennie; their daughter, Krystal; her sister Patricia (James) Robinson; her mother-in-law, Elsie Davis, and her father-in-law, Bennie Preston Sr.; her brother-in-law, John Preston; her sister-in-law, Joanne Matthews; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, including Alderman Anthony Beale; and friends beyond counting; and
WHEREAS, Rhenette Analeda Preston was a gifted woman who touched many lives. Although many people mourn her departure, they find comfort in the many happy memories of her they share, and in her going home to the Lord; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this 8th day of October, 2014, do hereby honor the life, memory and many contributions of Rhenette Analeda Preston; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we offer our most heartfelt condolences to her many friends and loved ones, and join them in mourning their loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this Resolution be presented to the family of Rhenette Analeda Preston as a token of our appreciation and kind wishes.
Lona Lane
Alderman, 18th Ward
Anthony Beale Alderman, 9th Ward