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Type:
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Resolution
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Status:
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Adopted
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Intro date:
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9/14/2021
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Current Controlling Legislative Body:
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Title:
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Tribute to late Dr. Guy L. Bibbs, Jr.
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Attachments:
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1. R2021-925.pdf
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MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. GUY L. BIBBS, JR.
WHEREAS, Dr. Guy L. Bibbs, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, a pioneer and inspiration, transitioned at the age of 73 on Wednesday, June 7, 2021; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Dr. Bibbs' passing by the Honorable Pat Dowell, Alderman ofthe 3rd Ward, and the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Guy was born on February 27, 1948, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Guy L. Bibbs, Sr. and Roena Anderson, both of whom preceded him in death;
WHEREAS, Dr. Bibbs received his formal education from Manual High School in Peoria, Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bradley University, where he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Guy received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry with a specialty in Orthodontics; Dr. Bibbs, aka "Big Guy" was a member of Apostolic Church of God, where Dr. Byron T. Brazier presides as the spiritual leader he was a former member of Life Center Church underthe leadership of PastorT.L. Barrett, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Prior to opening his initial practice in Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Bibbs worked with the orthodontic practice of Elisha J. Greenfield; later he would open Parkside Orthodontic Care in downtown Chicago; and
WHEREAS, As the first African American Orthodontist to set up practice in the area, Dr. Bibbs crossed racial barriers in what many had thought to be a risky move due to the astronomical costs and the challenges of establishing a black owned business downtown; and
WHEREAS, In the face of these trials, Dr. Bibbs' prevailed and touched the lives of many with hard work, determination, and, as he would often say, "a good woman by his side"; he increased the traditional orthodontic practice's base by growing a large network of adult patients and treating generations, instead of just focusing on children; and
WHEREAS, An active participant in the dental community, Dr. Bibbs was a member of the American Dental Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Lincoln Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society-Kenwood Hyde Park Branch, in which he served as a past president; he published works on Orthodontic Appliances and other related subjects which are housed in the Library of the University of Illinois and are still relevant to this date; and
WHEREAS, The presentations, speeches, and community outreach initiatives Dr. Bibbs' spearheaded were unparalleled; he served as a coach and mentor for aspiring dentists and many others throughout his career; he was a leading orthodontists in temporary anchorage devices (TAD) therapy, used to help direct and shift teeth; he shared his wealth of knowledge and wisdom with others and received numerous awards, honors, and commendations including his recent recognition by the University of Illinois Urban Health Program as a distinguished Chicago dentists for his outstanding leadership, strength, and dedication to public service and achievement; and
WHEREAS, After more than 40 dedicated years in dentistry, Dr. Bibbs reluctantly retired his practice at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, With an innate need to learn more about himself, through learning more about others, Dr. Bibbs enjoyed being exposed to different cultures; he and his wife travelled to many places across the world and they shared their love of travel with their children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A gentle giant with an amazing ability to grasp anything and everything written, Dr. Bibbs possessed quick and inventive humor; he was always on top of current events and historical data- he could talk at length about anything; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bibbs was an ardent reader, artists, musician, and photographer: he was an illustrator and sketch artist for Carson Pirie Scott; his musical works were put to vinyl and his artistic murals, sketches, and portraits have been memorialized and chronicled by the Bradley University Black Student Union; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bibbs was also civically minded, holding memberships in organizations such as Lifetime Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Donor, University of Illinois at Chicago Athletics and Original Donor, Supporting Excellence Endowment Fund in Student Affairs at UIC; he was a sponsor ofthe Black Ensemble Theater, Auditorium Theater, and ETA Creative Arts Foundation, and was a consistent sponsor ofthe Chicago Urban League Women's Board's Whitey M. Young Scholarship Benefits and was a former Associate Member of the NHBW - Chicago Chapter; and
WHEREAS, While he was a father figure to many, he was equally blessed to have had other mothers in his life that kept him under their wings in prayer with unconditional love, including, "Aunt Ree," Margaret Gulley, "Big Mama" Lucille Bibbs (deceased), and Godmother liar Bonds; in his life were, Aunt Aretha Williamson, and Uncle Henry Anderson (Sarah); he will be loved forever by his wife, Dr. Lona C. Bibbs, whom he has known since 3rd grade; his daughter, Dr. Lona D. Bibbs-Walker (Keith); Son, Guy L. Bibbs, III (Octavia); Grandsons, Jordan Lee, Guy Jason, Guy Mason, Jackson Lee, and Guy Bryson; sharing farewells in this great loss are his sister and close confidant Josephine Smith "Mother Wade" (Rupert); sister Era "Pixie" Marshall (Dr. Raymond); Sisters who loved him dearly, and Dr. Bibbs loved them: sisters, Sheila Cooley and Roxianne Cooley; sisters, Louise Arnone (Vince), Jennett Williams (Emile), Shirley Spivey (William), and Clara Justice (Keith); lovely goddaughter, Paula Lucas Wesley (Tony); brothers who were a support and source of inspiration: Keith Cooley (Deanna), Bob Bibbs (Luvina), Dr. Charles Bibbs (Barbara), Arthur and Michael Bibbs and brother best friend Rupert Captain Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends continue to pay tribute and honor him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bibbs was loved by many, and he will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him; 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, 2021, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Guy L. Bibbs, Jr.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Dr. Guy L. Bibbs, Jr as a sign of our honor and respect.
PAT DOWELL Alderman, 3rd Ward
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
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