MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR DARLENE CRAWFORD
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Darlene Crawford on March 20, 2109; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Gregory Mitchell, Alderman of the 7th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Darlene was born on January 18, 1944 to loving parents William and Juanita Duke in Chicago, Illinois. She is affectionately known as "Jill" by many and was the youngest of two children with one brother, the late William Duke, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Darlene and her husband, Richmond Crawford, grew up just blocks away in the same neighborhood. After a fun-loving courtship (it's been told that Richmond jumped the fence to snag some flowers for her to prove his love) the two were joined in matrimony in 1964. They celebrated 55 wonderful years of marriage together this January; and
WHEREAS, from this union, Darlene and Richmond were blessed with two wonderful children, a daughter, Carisa, and a son, Brian; and
WHEREAS, Darlene was known for her grace, kindness, love of family, and energetic spirit. She trusted in the Lord and was a faithful member of Trinity AME Church, displaying her Christian duties for the Savior. She always placed God first and lived her life with that firm conviction, leaving a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, Darlene was a tremendous advocate of education. It was of the utmost importance to her. She attended Loretta Academy High School and received her Bachelor's degree from Chicago State University and Master's degree from Loyola University. She also was actively pursuing her PhD; and
WHEREAS, her passion for helping others led her to the education field where she began her career as a teacher with the Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, Darlene later worked at the University of Illinois' Counseling Center for several decades; receiving many well deserved accolades for her work. She began work there as an Academic Skills Specialist diagnos...
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