TRIBUTE TO MOTHER SHIRLEY JEAN RAINEY
WHEREAS, in His infinite wisdom, Almighty God has called home His devout servant, Shirley Jean Rainey, an outstanding member of her community, on May 5, 2018; and
WHEREAS, On April 21, 1934, Mother Rainey started her life in this city as the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morgan. She lived half of her more than four score years in Chicago's Englewood community. She attended St. Elizabeth Parish School on South Wabash and McCosh Elementary School on South Champlain before matriculating to Englewood High School; and
WHEREAS, Mother Rainey spent 80 years of her life as a devoted member of the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church on South Vincennes where she served as a musician and educator. She was Dean of Education of the church's Education Department, was the Vacation Bible School curator, and Head Musician of her namesake Shirley J. Rainey Junior Choir; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Jean Rainey was also a high-ranking member of the Order of Eastern Star and a mother of three; Debey, Cynthia and Clifton, Jr. Mother Rainey was 40-year resident of Englewood where she worked at a local drycleaner and was a proud member of the 1300 West 71st Place Block Club Party Association. An available and reliable community babysitter, she truly became the mother of her neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Roderick Sawyer, Alderman of the 6th Ward, has informed this august body of the passing of this good and God-fearing woman; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 23rd Day of May, 2018 AD, do hereby express our sincere sorrow upon learning of the passing of Mother Shirley Jean Rainey and extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and the many people whose lives she has touched.
RODERICK SAWYER Alderman - 6th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Mother Shirley Jena Rainey.