MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR DOROTHY L. WILLIAMS
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called home Dorothy "Granny" L. Williams, most beloved citizen and friend to her community, to her everlasting reward, on Wednesday, January 1,2020; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of Dorothy's passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy was born on January 12, 1936 in Meridian, Mississippi to her parents, Major Lee Hall and Geneva Hall, and was the youngest of 11 children; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy graduated with honors from Wechsler Junior High School and T.J. Harris High School, receiving recognition for her character along the way; and
WHEREAS, After high school Dorothy moved to Compton, California, and then Elyria, Ohio, before settling in Chicago, where she received her nursing certification and was employed at Provident Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy was united in marriage to the late Frank Williams, and from that union they were blessed with three daughters; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy was a part of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a proud member of the Senior Choir under Reverend A. Edward Davis; in later years, Dorothy continued under Dr. Donald L. Parson's leadership at Logos Baptist Assembly Church; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy's culinary expertise landed her the perfect job as a lunch room manager at Van Vlissingen Elementary School and Corliss High School, retiring from Chicago Public Schools in 1997; and
WHEREAS, "Granny", as she was affectionately called by most, was a remarkable cook and baker. She enjoyed preparing mouthwatering meals for her friends and family; chicken and dumplings, pot roast, caramel cake and peach cobbler just to name a few; and
WHEREAS, When Granny was not cooking, she was working in her perfectly manicured yard, planting flowers and meticulously arranging impatiens, petunias, and marigolds; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy's home was filled with love and joy; she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoyed music and dancing; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy's spirit and memories are survived by her three daughters, Yvette D. Hemphill, Yolanda D. Harrington (Clarence), and LaDonna M. Williams; five grandchildren, Christopher, DeAndre, Rafael, Zakiyyah, Akilah; three great-grandchildren. Neveah, DeAndre Jr., and Zakai; two sisters, Velma and Edna, her brother JL, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, including her neighbor and beloved friend Carrie McFarland; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this nineteenth day of February, 2020, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dorothy L. Williams; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Dorothy L. Williams as a sign of our honor and respect.