WHEREAS, On Monday, February 11, the Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom called to her eternal journey, Bettye Pearl Jakes-Russ; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this by 18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 29, 1926, in Minter City, Mississippi, she was the seventh of eight children born to the late Robert and Sarah Knox;
WHEREAS, She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age, and was a loyal member ofthe Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Oneida, Arkansas, where she served on the usher's and mother's boards, as a Sunday school teacher, church secretary, choir member, pastor's aide, and the president of the mission department; and
WHEREAS, Due to health problems, she moved to Chicago, and became a member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend George Daniels; and
WHEREAS, Admired by everyone that she met throughout her life, Mrs. Jakes-Russ earned the title "politician's mom of the 37th Ward of Chicago"; and
WHEREAS, A very gifted person, Mrs. Jakes-Russ enjoyed fishing, making jewelry, and working on her puzzle books; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated mother, Mrs. Russ-Jakes loved spending time with her family and sharing her love in every aspect of her live; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jakes-Russ leaves to laugh, love and cherish her memory, her children, Excell Brown, Lacy Flemings, Jeanette Sidney, Eartis Jackes, Mary Jackson, Minnie Jakes, Percy Jakes Jr., Bettye Pulphus, Jessie Jakes, Alderman Emma Mitts, Lueathel Seawood, Sheryl French; her three sisters-in-law, Catherine Young, Cora Lee Swanigan and Sarah Knox; fifty-four grandchildren; one hundred and two great grandchildren; twenty-six great-great grandchildren; her Godson the Reverend Clifford Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this thirteenth day of March, 2013 A.D., do ...
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