A City Council Resolution Honoring The Life of Barbara A. Weir Shotwell
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called Mrs. Barbara A. Weir Shotwell, an outstanding citizen of the 8lh Ward and the City of Chicago, to her everlasting reward on August 15, 2020; and
WHEREAS, This August Chicago City Council body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Barbara was born in Reform, Alabama to Mr. Bobbie G. Weir and Mrs. Eloise Simon, In 1958 she moved to Chicago where she began her studies earning her Cosmetology Diploma on August 18, 1961 from Madam CJ Walker College of Beauty Culture, and later working at her family's business Essie Beauty Studio, for six years, and another seven years in her own hair care establishment from her home, all while a full time homemaker and wife; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Barbara met and later married James Otis Shotwell at St. Edmund's Church on July 27, 1963, on January 30, 1966, James Anthony Shotwell was born, and on October 30, 1973, Jason Craig Shotwell was born; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Shotwell moved from an apartment in Chatham to a home in Burnside at 9146 S. Woodlawn, where at that time this community was a safe and beautiful place raise a family; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, upon Mr. Shotwell's death, she enrolled herself into Dawson Skill Center where she acquired secretarial skills, earning her a job at the Illinois Department of Revenue, throughout her career she was promoted and retired as a Tax Analysis/Accountant of 25 years; and
WHEREAS, In May 13, 1995, Barbara earned her Associate in Arts with Honors, in Business Administration from Kennedy- King College in which she studied hard and was extremely proud of her accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, While working and in retirement, Barbara was active in her community supporting the 8th Ward Democratic Organization attending and hosting meetings with the Alderman, and St. Edmund's Church, in membership of the: Social Service Guild, St. Monica's Guild, Red Hat Society and was an Usher & Greeter; and
WHEREAS, Barbara is survived by James and Jason, stepmother Essie and three sisters Veronica, Meredyth and Fannetia, nieces & nephews, cousins, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and other relatives on both sides of the family who loved her, also countless number of friends; and
THEREFORE, Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby express our deep sorrow on the passing of Mrs. Barbara A. Weir Shotwell, and extend to his family our sincere condolences; and
Michelle A. Harris Alderman, 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Mrs. Barbara A. Weir Shotwell.