Memorial Resolution for Curtis Louise Chatman
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Curtis Louise Chatman (nee Ayers) on January 6, 2019 at 86 years of age; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Toni L. Foulkes, Alderman of the 16th Ward; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 1933, loving parents, Curtis Ayers and Maryland Strickland, were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Curtis Louise, while living in Michigan City, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, at the age of eleven, Curtis Louise accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined Sims Chapel Baptist Church in Michigan City, Mississippi, under the Pastoral Leadership of Reverend Rogers; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise attended Sims Chapel Elementary School and Fayette County High School, in Somerville, Tennessee, before moving on to Lagrange, Tennessee, for a few years. In 1957, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, through her strong will and hearty determination, Curtis Louise finished her high school education and obtained her General Education Certificate from Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise's work ethic was renown, earning her the reputation of being a stellar employee. Over the course of her life, she was employed at the famous Schulze Baking Company, A.W. Means Company (currently Aramark), and the former Illinois Bell Telephone Company. She remained employed at Illinois Bell for twenty years until her retirement in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise was a woman deeply devoted to her faith. She loved her church, her Pastor, and her fellowship with the Saints. In April, 1990, she joined Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where she actively served her Lord and her community through her participation in Sunday School, the Missions Ministry, as well as Bible Study; and
WHEREAS, Family was everything to Curtis Louise, especially her children. She raised them in a loving, nurturing home where she made it her priority to guide, protect and advocate on their behalf. She was always there when they needed her. There was no doubt Curtis Louise Chatman knew who she was and whose she was; and
WHEREAS, in her later years, Curtis Louise met and married the love of her life, Robert Chatman, who opened his arms and heart to her family; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise leaves to cherish her memory her wonderful children, Ivory Turner, Nearl (Christine) Turner, Elder Charles J. (Regina) Maclin Sr. and her precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren, loving nieces, and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise was preceded in death by: her loving parents; her daughter, Marsheilla Means-Hardy; son, George W. May Jr.; siblings, Godfrey McNamee, Margie Ann Wilson, Maryland Gholston, Mae Willie Maclin; and, granddaughter Kathleen Frances Brinkely-Russell; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Louise was someone who deeply touched the lives of all who knew and loved her. Her compassionate nature, kindness, generosity, and caring spirit, will forever be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all of her extended family and many treasured friends; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we the Mayor and Members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this Tenth day of April, 2019, do hereby express our most sincere sorrow and extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Curtis Louise Chatman; and
TONI L. FOULKES Alderman, 16th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Curtis Louise Chatman as a sign of our honor and respect.
