WHEREAS, God in His infinite Wisdom has called Alonzo Wells Jr., most beloved citizen, to his eternal reward on March 15th, 2017; and
WHEREAS, This august.body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Emma Mitts, Alderman of the 37th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Alonzo 'Kool' Wells Jr. was born on July 10th, 1939, to the late Alonzo Wells Sr. and the late Irene Wells in Earle, Arkansas. He attended Dunbar Junior High School in Arkansas before moving to Chicago to attend Richard T. Crane High School. Alonzo leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love ; and
WHEREAS, Alonzo had a passion for music and performing. Motivated by the Motown Sound, he formed The Thrills with Sylvester 'Vest' Barton, Wesley 'West' Wells, and Frank 'Chili' Allen. The Thrills transformed into The Legendary Steelers with the addition of Leonard 'Red' Truss. The Legendary Steelers produced major hits such as "Get It from the Bottom," "Delicious," and "Shake. He was a well know performer at a popular night spot "The Keyman's Club" along with other famous artist such as Bobby "Blue" Bland; and
WHEREAS, A community activist with great organizational skills, leadership abilities and desire to bring people together were evident in his youth. Alonzo partook in two projects with his music. He produced "Ain't No Joke When It Comes to Dope," which was an anti-drug campaign and "Stop the Killing," which was an anti-violence campaign; and
WHEREAS, With a renewed commitment to Christ, Alonzo joined the Greater First Baptist Church of Chicago under Pastor Tommy Evans. He received much of his inspiration for his songs from scripture and his growing love for God; and
WHEREAS, Left to treasure his memories are his companion of 17 years, Mary Hale; one sister, Inola Clay (Carey); one brother, Wesley Wells Sr. (Carol); Mrs. Manella Wells; his children, Dane Eison, Vicky Stewart-Taylor (Darryl), Joannie James-Moore (Stephen), Detreas Wells-Frye (Thaddeus), Kenneth Wells Sr. (Andrea), Kimberly Wells, Don Tillman, Lashoun Wells, Terrence Wells, Alonzo Wells Jr., and Arnold Wells; loving grandfather thirty-two grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and treasured friends; and
WHEREAS, Alonzo Wells Jr. was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Rhodes; his three brothers, Lorenzo Wells, George Wells, and Ezettrick Wells, and his three daughters, Sonya Wells, Elaine Tillman, and Dara Jackson; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this nineteenth day of April 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Alonzo Wells Jr.; and .
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resokrtion be prepared and presented to the family of Alonzo Wells Jr. as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.
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