TRIBUTE TO AUDR1A M. THOMAS SIMPSON-HUNTINGTON
WHEREAS, In His infinite wisdom, almighty God has granted eternal rest to Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington, a remarkable educator and outstanding leader of her community, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Audria began her life journey on September 15, 1927 in Bessemer, Alabama. It was there she attended Paul Laurence Dunbar and Pipe Shop elementary schools. She graduated from Arthur Harold Parker Vocational High School in Birmingham, Alabama as one of the top ten of her class and matriculated at Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Later in life, she earned a Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington began a career as an educator teaching in Dixon Mills, Alabama at Marengo High School and retired from the Chicago Public Schools after more than four decades of exemplary service. Her career path was diverse, having taught all ages from second grade all the way through college level courses in various venues such as the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Atlanta, Georgia, several Chicago Public Schools (most notably at Kelvyn Park High School as a home economics teacher and Future Homemakers of America advisor), the Office of Equal Education Opportunity, the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, the Cook County Jail, and the Illinois Training Schools for Girls in Geneva; and
WHEREAS, Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington took an active leadership role in many civic and political endeavors. She was a representative in the Senate of National Silver Haired Congress and president of its Illinois chapter, served as chair of the Senior Advisory Council for her State Representative, and was Ombudsman with Chicago Department on Aging. Audria was active with community organizations in support of the late Mayor Eugene Sawyer and the Sixth Ward. She was a driving force behind registering voters for the election of the late Mayor Harold Washington and former U.S. Senator Roland Burris as well as helping to organize one of the first legislative organizations for black educators. Particularly active with community and church organizations, Audria launched a support program for cancer patients that provided education and instruction in nutrition and meditation. In addition, she was a member of the Book Circle, the Alderman Dorothy Tillman Missing Pages Book Club, the Industrial Arts Association, the National Organization of Black School Educators and Chicago Area Alliance of Black School Educators; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her life Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington garnered many accolades and awards from such eminent individuals and organizations as the Governor of Alabama, the American Correctional Association, the College Park Maryland Illinois Branch, the Chicago Department of Aging, Girls and Boys Town, the National Silver Haired Congress, and the World's Who's Who of Women; and
WHEREAS,. Audria Simson-Huntington leaves behind to mourn her loss and celebrate her memory a daughter, Shirley Thompson and a sister, Gloria Twine, as well as many good friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Roderick T. Sawyer, Alderman of the 6* Ward, has apprised this august body of this extraordinary community advocate's transition; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 24"' Day of May, 2017 AD, do hereby express our sincerest sympathy upon learning of the passing of Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington and extend our deepest condolences her family and all those whose lives she has touched.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Audria M. Thomas Simpson-Huntington^^^
RODERICK T. SAWYER Alderman - 6,h Ward