MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR EASTER PEARL OWENS
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Easter Pearl Owens, most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on January 17, 2019, at the age of eighty-three; and
WHEREAS, This august 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, Easter Pearl Owens was born on July 10, 1935, to David and Irene Love in Greenville, Mississippi and proud sister of Julia Mae (Jute), Betty Jean, and Alice Jean, whom she dearly loved. Pearl accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful servant to the lord. She regularly attended church and sang in the choir. She was also a frequent singer on a local radio show; and
WHEREAS, The family moved to Chicago while Pearl was a young girl. Here in Chicago, she attended Wendell Phillips High School on the city's south side. In 1953, Pearl met Richard Owens, after a brief courtship they were married. To their union five children were born: Richard, III, Gregory, Debra, Robert and Claude. Pearl and Richard were married for 64 wonderful years; and
WHEREAS, Pearl worked at Percy L. Julian High School for several years and Nathan Davis Elementary School for approximately fifteen years where she served as a Teacher's Assistant. The students loved her and the staff respected her for her professionalism and dedication to her work; and
WHEREAS, Pearl's primary focus in life was on raising her children and providing a stable, warm, and loving home for her immediate and extended family; and
WHEREAS, When Pearl and Richard's children became adults and created their own families, Pearl poured her immense love and care into her sixteen grandchildren. Each one of them believed, whole-heartedly, that they were her favorite; and
WHEREAS, Pearl loved to dress well. Her favorite style was anything leopard print. Whatever she wore had to match from head to toe. Everything from her hairpieces to her shoes was color-coordinated. Whenever anyone gave her a gift of clothing or jewelry, she would say, "I've got something to go with that." Then she would emerge from her bedroom with something that was a perfect match. Her fetish for exotic purses was legendary. She was a fashion icon with a wardrobe that was second to none; and
WHEREAS, Pearl's generosity extended well beyond the walls of her home to her community and the
city. She served as a volunteer in multiple capacities, including: Parent-Teacher Association President for
the Chicago Public Schools; President of 300 West 103rd Place Block Club for many years; volunteer^
collecting donations for the mentally disabled; Precinct Captain for the 34th Ward - 19th Predict for^
several decades; and, volunteer for the 34th Ward Democratic Committee. As a public school^lunteex-
and as a Precinct Captain, she was recognized with countless awards for her accomplishments~aijd'. sr
service; and £2- c> -3
WHEREAS, Pearl was a woman of deep faith in God and his church. She was a member of O^i^ch ^ Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Benjamin Cates and subsequently, Rev. Rickey McCoy wefre' ^ pastors; and
WHEREAS, On January 17, 2019, the Lord saw fit to call his child home to join him. Her mother, Irene, father, David, sisters, Julia Mae, Betty Jean and Alice, and her son, Gregory all preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, Pearl leaves to cherish her memory and carry on the family legacy, her husband Richard Jr, son, Richard III, (Rosalyn), daughter, Debra, sons, Robert (Maria) and Claude (France), and daughter-in-law, Lenora; her grandchildren, Tameka, Robert (Gabrielle), Richard IV (Josephine), Priscilla (Takisha), Ryan (Rachel), Renye', Riqia, Robin (Brian), Brandon, Claude Jamil, Claude James, Nicole, David, Mariah, and Jerimiah; and a nineteen great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; now therefore,
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