SR1538 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1538 LRB100 21306 ALS 37617 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Minnie Mae Alford, who passed away on March 15, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Alford was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. Willie Campbell on May 1, 1915; after the death of her mother, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she was raised by her aunt; she committed to her faith at the Bostic Temple COGIC with the late Bishop Bostic; she married her first husband when she was 15; later, her marriage dissolved and she moved to Chicago, where she met a preacher, James B. Alford; they were married for over 50 years, and she supported him as the First Lady of the Progressive COGIC of Maywood for 42 years; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Alford did not let anything stop her from serving Progressive; she was a member of the Sewing Circle Ministry, where they made quilts and blankets for people n need; she also made drapes for the church and chair covers for the seats; she was a member of the Senior Choir and served as one of the choir directors and one of the main soloists; she coordinated the Radio Choir's travel for annual trips to St. Louis, Missouri, concerts, and events; she sold the most tickets for the Radio Choir's annual concert; she also played the piano and was a member of Progressive's first band; she was the Director of the Group Ministry and the main financial supporter for the "Rain on Us" project; she counseled those who needed help and nursed those who were sick; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Alford was known as the "queen of hospitality," and she often had unexpected guests stop by the house to have dinner with her family; she prepared three meals a day for traveling Evangelists, who also stayed at her home while they conducted revivals; she made everyone feel welcome and happy; she also provided spiritual and moral support to her husband and her children; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Alford was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James Alford Sr.; her son, Sunny; and her daughter, Beatrice; and

WHEREAS, Minnie Alford is survived by her sons, James (Carolyn) Alford Jr., Perry (Erna) Alford Sr., and Apostle Donald (Gloria) Alford Sr.; her grandchildren, Perry (Carmen) Alford Jr., Keisha Sally, Alita (Mike) Abron, Sean Alford, James (Sonia) Alford III, Donald (Rasheeda) Alford II, Stephon Alford, Brianna Alford, Venevia Tate, and Jermaine Tate; her great-grandchildren, Taneisha "NuNu" Caldwell, Brittnee Alford, Jeniece Alford, James Alford IV, Keyona Carter, Tiya Carter, Xzavier Carter, Perry Alford III, Dajia Alford, Donald Alford III, Mi'Kylah Alford, DeVaughn Alford, and Jayla Alford; her many other relatives and friends; and her Progressive family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Minnie Mae Alford and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Minnie Alford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.