RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Yvonne Staples has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A native of Chicago, Yvonne Staples was a member of the famed Staple Singers which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999; and
WHEREAS, Known for their soaring harmonies, the legendary group was responsible for a string of chart-topping hits including "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There" and "Heavy Makes You Happy"; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Staples performed alongside her sisters, Mavis and Cleotha, and her father, guitarist Roebuck "Pops" Staples, in the group which produced more than 80 albums; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Staples' mother, Oceola, also played an integral part in the group's success by helping with costumes and a myriad of other details; and
WHEREAS, Raised near 89th Street and Langley Avenue, Yvonne Staples' family hosted annual Fourth of July barbeques that drew friends and star-studded guests such as Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Staples and her family were also active in the civil rights movement and were close friends with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. who occasionally traveled with the group; and
WHEREAS, The talent, sacrifice and dedication of Yvonne Staples serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Her love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Yvonne Staples to her family members, friends and all who knew her, and enabled her to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, A resident of the South Shore community, Yvonne Staples will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To her beloved family, Yvonne Staples imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City C...
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