RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF ALFRED EDWARD WATSON
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members of the Chicago City Council, is hereby informed of the passing of Alfred Edward Watson, an outstanding citizen and beloved friend, Saturday, December 20, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Born August 25, 1934 in Halls, Tennessee to loving parents, the late Joseph Lewis and Mary Ella (Roundtree) Watson, Alfred was the fourth of five children who brought happiness into the Watson Family home and into their grateful community. He achieved academic success at Lauderdale County High School in Tennessee and completed four years of study at Tennessee State University. After relocating to Chicago he studied at YMCA College for real estate law, sales and management, and then at Loop College for urban development in Real Estate; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Alfred accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was a faithful member at his family's spiritual home, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Halls, Tennessee. As a Chicago resident he became a member of Antioch Baptist Church and later he and his family became faithful members Life Center C.O.G.I.C., where they participated joyously with the congregation; and
WHEREAS, On April 21, 1957, Alfred was united in Holy Matrimony with Naomi Lawrence, and to this union five children were born, Cleve, Toya, Crystal, Alfred and Joseph. Alfred was a dedicated employee with the Chicago Transit Authority. He also had a successful political career, serving in the Cook County Government for twenty-eight years. He was vice-president of real estate at Supreme Life Insurance Company for eleven years; a Life Safety Inspector for the Cook County Department of Education for four years; and the Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Building and Zoning until his retirement in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Alfred Edward Watson, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, friend and neighbor, will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; and
WHEREAS, Alfred Edward Watson was preceded in death by his son, Cleve Watson and two siblings, Dr. Ruby Watson-Jackson and Dr. Charles E. Watson. He leaves to celebrate his life his loving wife of 57 years, Naomi Watson, four children, Toya Medford-Rainer, Crystal Mock, Alfred (Beverly) Watson and Joseph (Jamilah) Watson, twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, siblings, Dr. L. Marilyn Watson and Dr. Marian L. Watson; sister-in-law, Parthenia L. Manning and a host of other relatives and many friends; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 21st day of January 2015 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Alfred Edward Watson and extend to his family and loved ones our sincere condolences.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Alfred Edward Watson.
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MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman - 8th Ward