MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JUANITA ALBERTA GENTRY
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members of this Chamber learned of the death of Juanita Alberta Gentry, affectionately known as "Deeda," on July 16, 2017 at the age of sixty; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Anthony A. Beale, Alderman of the 9th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Deeda was born on September 28, 1947, to the late Daniel Gentry and Willie L. Davis, she also had three sisters, Dr. Maurice Arrington, Archene Gailey and Mary Lee Gentry; and
WHEREAS, She graduated from Englewood High School in 1965, immediately going to work in the clerical department of Standard Oil Company (Amoco), working her way up to a management role in ten years. Deeda later went on to join Quaker Oats Company, traveling throughout the country training staff; and
WHEREAS, She spent the last thirty-six years of her career devotedly working for the Department of Education where she was Branch Chief for the downtown office and retired as a Program Specialist. She was known for her expertise and dedication to students; and
WHEREAS, Deeda was a spiritual woman, and in 1986, she joined Christ Universal Temple under the leadership of Reverend Johnnie Coleman. In 2001 she graduated from the Johnnie Coleman Institute with a Masters Certificate in the Better Living Series Course of Study; and
WHEREAS, Deeda loved life, including stepping, fashion, lottery, roulette and video poker. Each year for her birthday she would go to a casino to play poker, always pulling a royal flush. In 2012, Deeda went on to fulfill her lifelong dream of attending her favorite gameshow, "The Price is Right;" and
WHEREAS, Deeda leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Dr. Maurice Arrington, Archene Gailey and Mary Lee Gentry; niece, Stacey E. Arrington; nephews, William M. Gentry and Charles N. Arrington (Tina); great-nieces and nephews, Latrice Tisley (Lance), Tatiana Arrington-Higgins (Sam), Amani Arrington, and Jonathan Arrington; great-great nieces and nephews, Samya Higgins, Londyn Tisley, Lance Tisley Jr. and Laila Tisley, godson, Timothy Williams, Jr.; and devoted caretakers, Sheila Luckett and Venita Walker-Jones; along with a host of cousins, relatives, family, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Deeda touched the lives of all who knew her through her lively spirit, kind heart, and love for others. She will be deeply missed, but memories of her humor and determined spirit will live on in those who knew and loved her; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this eighth day of November, 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Juanita Alberta Gentry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of . Juanita Alberta Gentry as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.