WHEREAS, Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Mary Elizabeth Trotter, most beloved citizen and friend, to her eternal reward on November 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34lh Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations; and
WHEREAS, Mary Elizabeth Trotter began life as the daughter of (the late) Willie and (the late) Martha Ellen (Beck) Anderson on June 23, 1927 in Carrollton, Mississippi. Mary spent her childhood and developmental years in Mississippi and graduated from Grenada High School; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Mary relocated to Detroit, Michigan, then later made her journey to Chicago, Illinois where she settled for the next sixty years. Mary was a dedicated, hardworking employee for the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center until her retirement in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Following the untimely death of her parents, Mary embraced the responsibility of caregiver and provider to all nine of her siblings. She was a constant source of love and support to her brothers and sisters. They treasured her kind heart and valued her advice; and
WHEREAS, Family was the center of Mary's life. She was a nurturing, caring and doting mother to her five loving children. She instilled the importance of education and the significance of faith and the work of God. All of these endeavors were accomplished by the Grace of God and the tenacity of her drive; and
WHEREAS, Mary accepted and embraced Christ at an early age and was a faithful servant to the Lord. She became an active member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and remained a devoted member until she moved to Belvedere, Illinois to reside with her two loving daughters; and
WHEREAS, Mary leaves to cherish her memory; children, Wayne Caldwell, Barbara Trotter, and Keana Patrice Trotter; grandchildren, Corey Marcee Trotter (Whitney), Nicole Kyon Clair (Brent), Paul Dwayne Trotter, and Kharri Patrice Trotter; great-grandchild, Victoria Nicole Clair; sisters, Dora Green and Opal Johnson (Henry); brothers, Claude Anderson (Elon) and Joe Anderson (Elaine); and a host of family and friends; She is proceeded in death by her beloved children, Darnell and Karla Jean Trotter; her siblings, Willie Anderson, Jr., Mable Anderson, Clinton Anderson, Warren Anderson and Lillie Pearl Jones; and
WHEREAS, Mary touched the lives of all who knew her through her love and caring spirit. She will be deeply missed, but the memory of her character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 14th day of December, 2016, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mary Elizabeth Trotter.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Mary Elizabeth Trotter as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.