Resolution Honoring the Life & Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Chicago Resident Mrs. Naomi Woods
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment continues to show favor by granting a long life to Mrs. Naomi Woods, a beloved citizen, faithful woman of God and friend, who on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 31, 2017 will be honored by family and friends at her 100th birthday celebration; and
WHEREAS, I Alderman Michelle A. Harris, and on behalf of the residents 8th Ward & my fellow colleagues of the Chicago City Council have informed this august body of this significant upcoming centennial birthday of Mrs. Naomi Woods; and
WHEREAS, History is considered by many to be a very fascinating subject. It is so much more than memorizing dates. It's also about learning and appreciating the personal and professional histories of people who were born long ago. History is literally the story behind the life of each person, every trend, news headline, and major event that is happening right now; and
WHEREAS, On May 31,1917, Mrs. Naomi Woods was born in Washington, D.C. One of six children born to her loving parents Mr. Abraham C. Thompson and Mrs. Harriett (nee Garrison) Thompson, she has five other siblings, four of whom {Ruth-John-Eva & Abe) are deceased. Her sister Lavinia will also join her in celebrating this special day; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Woods relocated to the Chicago-area with her family in her youth, and was educated at Haven Elementary Dewey Middle School, and Evanston Township High School. Mrs. Woods was married to her beloved late husband, Mr. Chesterfield Woods, for 65 years. A dedicated, loving wife and mother, she focused primarily on raising and caring for her family of three daughters - - Beverly, Barbara, and Brenda, as well as her son Bruce as a homemaker. Always elegantly attired, later in life, she enjoyed a career in sales at several local high fashion women's clothing emporiums, including Hyde Park's former Source Boutique, and the former Le Boy's Boutique, located in the historic South Shore community; and
WHEREAS, Naomi Woods life has further been distinguished by a legacy of social and civic activism. For several decades she was involved with the Chicago Northern District of Women (CNDA). Mrs. Woods is also a dedicated woman of God who has been a faithful member of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in the city's Lilydale neighborhood for many years. Mrs. Woods is also fondly recognized as one of longest-serving volunteers at the Chicago Public Library's Cultural Center on Michigan and Randolph in downtown Chicago, where she cheerfully greeted visitors and assisted with gift shop sales; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mrs. Naomi Woods, a widow, is a dynamic individual who loves the color red, reading and writing poetry, watching old movies, and listening to all types of music - - in particular big band jazz. She and her late husband were well-known as a gifted dancing couple who frequently performed upon request at various church, civic and social functions. Fiercely independent, Mrs. Woods currently still lives in her beloved home in the Calumet Heights/South Shore neighborhood. Further, she was an actively engaged resident of the 8th Ward where she has lived for nearly forty years, until time and health challenges intervened. She is perhaps best known for her engaging personality, winning smile, sense of humor and the awesome ability to inspire others to help get things done to better her community; and
WHEREAS, Although somewhat physically slowed by the passage of time, both her spirit and mind remains sharp and agile. Mrs. Woods is an avid book reader, and a committed civic arts enthusiast who greatly enjoys interacting with friends, family and neighbors over coffee, and good meals in nice restaurants featuring some of her favorite desserts - -ice cream and either apple or cherry pie. While she never formally taught school, she is intuitively an instructor - - teaching us all about the beauty, joy and appreciation for life, work, community involvement and many other things - - and she happily shares this positive life philosophy with virtually everyone she meets; and
WHEREAS, In many ways, Mrs. Woods's life is a testament to the nature of a true Chicagoan - - active, engaged within her community and continually inspired to do her part to make life better for others; and
Therefore Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this 19th day of April, 2017 A.D., do hereby express our most heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful 100th Centennial birthday celebration to Mrs. Naomi Woods, and extend to her family, friends, neighbors and church members our sincere happiness that she has achieved this great life milestone; and
Michelle A. Harris, Alderman - 8 Ward
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Mrs. Naomi Woods on the exceptionally wonderful and auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.