RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Cleotha Staples has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Cleotha Staples was the loving and devoted sister of Mavis, Yvonne, Pervis and the late Cynthia; and
WHEREAS, The eldest of five siblings, Cleotha Staples graduated from Chicago's Doolittle School and attended Dunbar Trade School; and
WHEREAS, Alongside her father, Roebuck "Pops" Staples, Cleotha Staples helped forge the distinctive sound for the Staple Singers that made their songs "I'll Take You There" "Respect Yourself," "Heavy Makes You Happy," and "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)" Top Forty hits and instant classics; and
WHEREAS, Headed by Cleotha Staples' signature tenor and "Pop's" tremolo guitar and baritone voice, the Staple Singers took an active part in the Civil Rights movement; and
WHEREAS, In 1999 Cleotha Staples and her family were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Cleotha Staples received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2005; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, talent and dedication of Cleotha Staples serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Her love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Cleotha 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, To her beloved family, Cleotha 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 Council, assembled this thirteenth day of March, 2013, do hereby commemorate Cleotha Staples for her grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to her family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Cleotha Staples.
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