A Resolution Honoring the Life of Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called to her eternal rest, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown, a beloved citizen, faithful woman of God and friend, on June 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Pat Dowell, on behalf of the residents 3rd Ward & her fellow colleagues of the Chicago City Council has informed Mayor Emanuel and this august body of the passing of Mrs. Gatewood-Brown; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown was born on November 15, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of Ethel Viola Grays and Jim Rice (who preceded her in death); and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown as a young person, moved to Chicago to be with family and to explore better opportunities. She grew up in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, and graduated from Doolittle Elementary school and Parker High. She also attended Wendell Phillips High School for a couple years. She attended Chicago State and Roosevelt University, and earned her Bachelor's degree. Committed to lifelong learning, Clara also received certificates from John Marshall Law, and the US Department of Justice Enforcement Administration Law Center; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown started her career working for the City of Chicago, in the Departments of Health and Human Services, distinguished as the city's first African-American statistician. She also worked for several federal agencies: the Social Security Administration, and the Health Care-Finance Administration (HCFA), in the Regional Security Office. She successfully retired from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Department of Homeland Security after over thirty years of dedicated, professional service; and
WHEREAS, Clara Mae Gatewood-Brown was a vital, active and respectable citizen who resided in the 3rd Ward community for over a decade, and was deeply committed to the Bronzeville neighborhood. Mrs. Gatewood-Brown participated in many of the community outreach event...
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