|
|
Type:
|
Resolution
|
Status:
|
Adopted
|
|
Intro date:
|
6/28/2017
|
Current Controlling Legislative Body:
|
|
|
Title:
|
Congratulations extended to Lena Mae Gayles on 90th birthday
|
|
Attachments:
|
1. R2017-483.pdf
|
A Resolution Honoring the 90th Birthday of Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment continues to show favor by granting a long life to Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles, a beloved citizen, faithful woman of God and friend, who in June, 2017 will be honored by family and friends at her 90th birthday celebration; and
WHEREAS, It has been the long-established custom of the Chicago City Council, this august Legislative body, to recognize and honor the lives of those distinguished individuals whose life, work and civic endeavor serve to enhance the quality of life for Chicagoans and which has supported her family, neighbors and the general community; and
WHEREAS, I Alderman Michelle A. Harris, and on behalf ofthe residents 8th Ward & my fellow colleagues of the Chicago City Council have informed this august body of this significant upcoming centennial birthday of Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles; and
WHEREAS, Lena Mae Gayles was born in Hollygrove, Arkansas, June 26th, 1927, in her family home by way of a wise, seasoned midwife. She was the daughter of her youthful parents, Mary Hardimon and Jonny Cunningham. Lena was the eldest of three younger sister siblings: Georgiana, Barbara Jean and Eleanor. .
WHEREAS, Mrs. Gayles often credits her strong upbringing to her young teenage parents and the influence of being raised with her loving grandfather Edward Hardimon, who was locally revered as a natural healer and farmer and
WHEREAS, During her childhood growing up in Hollygrove, she learned about the purest parts of nature, using the Earth to heal and the lush green good life of the south, learning how to work the rich Arkansas land that birthed some of the country's best fruits, vegetables and meats, and following in her highly trusted, respected and wise grandfather's steps, learned how to heal the sick as well. Accqrding to family legend, many people would call on her grandfather to help them heal from something they didn't understand, before they would think about traveling into town to see a doctor. He was revered for his wisdom; and
WHEREAS, While in Hollygrove Lena attended Post Dale Elementary School. At the age of 14 she moved to Chicago with her mother Mary and new stepfather Ira Hogan. While in Chicago Lena was responsible for caring for her 3 younger sisters and attended Wendell Phillips High School. In addition to caring for her sisters, from the age of 16 on Lena always kept a job. Her first job was working at a local egg factory, and then at age 18 she went on to work in the administrative office at the former Goldblatt's department store; and
WHEREAS, Lena's family shared a brick two-flat building, with another friendly neighborhood family. She fondly remembers one special day in particular when these neighbors welcomed a gentleman cousin from California, who'd come to visit them. He was a tall, handsome military man from the Air Force. Lightening struck - he had taken a liking to Lena right away. They were inseparable from that day forward. His name was Earsie Lee Gayles. After a quick courtship they married, on June 15th of 1947; and
WHEREAS, When Lena embraced motherhood, she left the Goldblatt's company to prepare for their first child Earl. After Earl turned 3 years old, Lena decided to return to work, taking on a job with Stiffer Lamp Company. Through all ofthe ups and downs and growth of her family, Lena kept this job for over 30 years, where she was a much-loved and highly respected employee. Lena was acknowledged as highly talented, known as the best lamp designer during her years with the company, receiving bonuses and gifts for her wonderful creations and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Lena worked days and her husband worked nights, sometimes taking on two jobs as their small family of three grew in size to 9 (2 adults 7 children). They saw some very hard times, working hard for little money; but they made do, understanding how to 'make a dollar out of 15-cents', stretched meals and juggled successfully to cover bills; and
WHEREAS, A gracious, loving and nurturing woman, Lena's family always came first. A great cook, taking care bf sick children and her husband, handling family emergencies and other life issues were her priority, even at risk of losing her job. But first and foremost, she always trusted that God would see them through and he did. Lena enjoyed caring for them more than anything else; and
WHEREAS, As a very resilient, nurturing woman, Lena always showered everyone with love, smiles and positive encouragement. Lena firmly kept her family close, and provided a balanced home life, filled with fishing excursions, carnivals, festivals and family fun road trips. Lena also has expressed a passion for painting, interior decorating watching movies with family and cooking. Other favorites: she loves are the color light blue, delicious seafood, good old gospel and country blues music; and
WHEREAS, Today at the benchmark age of 90, Lena has had 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who all love her dearly. Her family includes: Husband-Earise Lee Gayles and children Earl Gayles, Anthony and Antoinette Gayles (twins), Charles Gayles, Darlene Gayles, Dianne and Dennis Gayles (twins); and
WHEREAS, In summation - - Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles guides the entire family with a strong sense of loving care, duty and responsibility. Considered by those who love her one of the best storytellers on Earth, some of her greatest quotes she cheerfully shares impart moral messages, such as: "You reap what you sow", and "Everything young gets old so be careful how you tread through life"; and my favorite, "You can have all the money in the world but if you don't have someone who cares about you to pass you a glass of water when you are sick, or can't reach it yourself, you need to consider being kinder and living life a little differently - - because you can't and won't take it with you". She is truly a beloved family treasure who continues to inspire generations of her family with wisdom for nine wonderful decades and her family feels deeply blessed to have and love her; and
WHEREAS, In many ways, Mrs. Gayles'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 28th day of June, 2017 A.D., do hereby express our most heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful 90th birthday celebration to Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles, and extend to her family, friends, and neighbors our sincere happiness that she has achieved this great life milestone; and
Be It Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Mrs. Lena Mae Gayles on the exceptionally wonderful and auspicious occasion of her 90th birthday.
Michelle A. Harris, Alderman - 8,n Ward
AIIO, 3Hi JO 33I3J0
|