RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber were deeply saddened to learn of the death on February 11, 2013, of Bettye Pearl Jakes-Russ, the mother of Alderman Emma Mitts; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 29, 1926, in Minter City, Mississippi, to the late Robert and Sarah Knox, Mrs. Jakes-Russ was the seventh of eight children; and
WHEREAS, Confessed hope in Christ at an early age, Mrs. Jakes-Russ was a faithful member of the 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
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WHEREAS, Due to health issues, Mrs. Jakes-Russ moved to Chicago, and became a member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend George Daniels; and
WHEREAS, A cherished friend of 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 talented individual, Mrs. Jakes-Russ enjoyed fishing, making jewelry, and working on her puzzle books; and
WHEREAS, A devoted mother, Mrs. Russ-Jakes was known for enjoying spending time with her family and sharing love in every aspect of her live; and
WHEREAS, A truly exemplary human being, Mrs. Jakes-Russ will always be remembered for her dedication to serve others, and for her inspiration, strength of character, courage, generosity and care for her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jakes-Russ is survived by her children, Excell Brown, Lacy Flemings, Jeanette Sidney, Eartis Jakes, 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, assembled this thirteenth day of February, 2013, do hereby honor the life and memory of Bettye Pearl Jakes-Russ, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Bettye Pearl Jakes-Russ, as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR
February 13, 2013
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of Bettye Pearl Jak.es/Russ.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,