WHEREAS, Bernice Bolden Goodwin Robie recently celebrated her 101st birthday; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael Scott, Jr., Alderman of the 24th Ward, has apprised the members of the chamber of this remarkable woman's auspicious milestone; and
WHEREAS, Bernice Bolden was born on August 16, 1916, in England, Arkansas. She was the ninth of twelve children born to Pearl and George Bolden. Berenice attended a one-room school house in Arkansas. In 1930, the family became part of the "Great Migration" and moved to Chicago, where she attended Smith W. Elementary School and Madill Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Bernice married Elijah Goodwin in 1933. From this union there were three children: Marvin, Alvin and Patricia. After only eight years of marriage Elijah passed away and Bernice was left to raise three young children. In 1957, Berenice married John Robie. Their marriage lasted for about thirty years until he went to his final resting place; and
WHEREAS, At the age of sixteen Bernice went to work at a company making handkerchiefs. As a young widow she became an employee of the Campbell's Soup Company. After two years she went to work at the TB Sanitarium where she was employed for eighteen years. Mother Robie then worked at Rush Presbyterian Hospital for eight years until her retirement; and
WHEREAS, She was a devout member of All Nations Church for more than thirty years. Mother Robie then joined her son Elder Marvin Goodwin's church, Pembroke Bible Church. Bernice moved with him to Grace Pentecostal Church where her daughter-in-law Anne Goodwin is the pastor. She continues to be a faithful member of Grace Pentecostal; and
WHEREAS, Bernice is very involved in her building and at Merrilac House; and
WHEREAS, Bernice's three children have passed away, Marvin (Ann Hudson), Alvin (Mildred Epps Smith) and Patricia (Clint Davis and Phillip Reames). She has ten grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this sixth day of September, 2017, do hereby congratulate Bernice Bolden Goodwin Robie on her 101st birthday and extend our very best wishes for many more bmttidays to come.
S Bf§|T FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and pt&entadM^ Bernice Robie as a token of our esteem and good wishe
o tjf / \ r a
CD ,7t /]/ I / \ ^//
*3>
W; | MICHAEL SCOTT, JR.
q/^ Alderman, 24th Ward