MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JANET K. WILLIAMS WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Janet K. Williams, most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on February 16, 2018; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 31, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Janet was the eldest of three and devoted daughter to (the late) Cleophas and Faye Williams. In 1969, Janet, along with her parents, was baptized into the Hyde Park Church by Elder Charles R. Graham Sr. She participated in the music ministry as part of the renowned Hyde Park SDA Youth Choir (Soprano) and later as part of the Senior Choir; and
WHEREAS, Janet, a proud graduate of South Shore High School, was an extensive reader who craved knowledge and excelled scholastically. At the age of 16, Janet enrolled at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She was an active leader in the Black Students Christian Forum (BSCF) and has remained a major part of her life. Janet earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Master in Business Administrative; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Janet began her vast professional career with the City of Chicago Department of Human Services as the Area Coordinator of Youth and Family Services and ultimately promoted to Assistant Director of Monitoring and Reporting. Later, she accepted the position of Director of Community Relations with the Chicago Park District; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, Janet established J.K. Williams and Associates, a consulting firm where she provided services such as planning and coordinating conferences, workshops and political events. In 1995, she rejoined the City of Chicago Department of Revenue as a staff assistant. In 1999, she became the Director of Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, General Assembly Office located in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Janet took a short hiatus from the business world to enrich young minds as she taught second grade students for School District 149 in Dolton, Illinois. A few years later, Janet went to work with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highway as Administrative Analyst, Payroll Manager and Personnel Manager as well as holding the position of Contract Administrator in the Office of the Purchasing Agent with Cook County. In 2013, Janet became the CEO of Sosoya Foods, from which she retired in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Janet leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Faye Williams; brother, Dr. Cleophas M. Williams Jr.; nephew, Derrick Lee, Jr.; nieces, Charissa Powell and Natalie Williams; grandnieces, Charity Powell and Aryah Lee; grandnephew, Kian Lee, a host of extended relatives and treasured friends; and
WHEREAS, Janet touched the lives of all who knew her through her love and vivacious spirit. She will be deeply missed, but the memory of her caring smile, intelligence and compassion 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 twenty eight day of March, 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Janet K. Williams.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Janet K. Williams as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward