A City Council Resolution Honoring the Life of Bessie Mae Luckett
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called Bessie Mae Luckett, an outstanding citizen of the 8lh Ward and the City of Chicago, to her everlasting reward and returned to the heavenly realm on September 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, This august Chicago City Council body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Bessie Mae Luckett was born on July 20, 1939, in Harperville, Mississippi to the parents of Lonnie Jane Burks Luckett and Eddie Davis Luckett, and were faithful members of Midway Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, The family moved to Jackson Mississippi in 1949 where Bessie completed high school at Lanier in 1956. She then became a member of China Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. In 1960, the family migrated to Chicago, Illinois. And In 1962, Bessie volunteered as a Candy Striper at St. Elizabeth's Hospital on the north side of Chicago, where she would become employed as a nutritionist supervisor in the Dietary department in 1964. She dedicated 35 years of service to St. Elizabeth's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Bessie became a member of Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago 49th and King Drive under the leadership Rev A.P. Jackson in the late 1960's. It was at Liberty where she had a strong desire to be of service to the Lord and served as a member of the original Official Greeters and Unity Circle Club. Shehad a strong desire to assist the youth in becoming more engaged with knowing the Lord and became involved with teaching the intermediate union in Baptist Training Union under the leadership of Deacon Royal M. Pleasant; and
WHEREAS, Bessie was extremely dedicated to the community she dwelled as she served as President of the 800 E. 88th Place/Dauphin Ave Civic Organization and Beautification Committee Coordinator for many years; and
WHEREAS, The importance of education was key to Bessie as she always knew to be a well-rounded citizen to function in society, not only do you need knowledge of the Living Word but also needed an education. She continued her education at Kennedy King College and graduated in 1991 with an Associates in Liberal Arts. Later in life Bessie, took membership with New Bethlehem #4 Missionary Baptist Church 8850 S. Cottage Grove. It is there she assisted with children costuming when there was a production, assisted with the pantry and participated in Sunday School. Bessie was also a member of Saturday Night Live/Life Lessons which is a weekly teaching ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Rene'e LaCour; and
WHEREAS, Preceding her in death Lonnie Jane Luckett (mother), Eddie Davis Luckett (father), Eddie Kirkland Luckett (brother) and Gregory A. Hart (son-in-law). Bessie leaves to cherish her memories Debbie Luckett-Hart daughter, relatives Bonnie Clark, Penny Black, Tony Kennedy, and a host of neighbors and friends; and
THEREFORE, Be It Resolved, That the Mayor and members ofthe City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby express our deep sorrow on the passing of and extend to his family our sincere condolences; and
Michelle A. Harris Alderman, 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Ms. Bessie Mae Luckett.