SR1968 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1968 LRB100 22718 MST 41699 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Melva Jean Halbert; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert was born in Laurel, Mississippi to Althea (McCullom) and Homer McGee in January of 1935; she received her education in Mississippi before moving to Chicago; she married L.J. Halbert on September 11, 1954; she attended St. Mary's Teaching College Center for Learning and Malcolm X College; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert began her career as a crossing guard with the Chicago Police Department; she then moved to the Chicago Board of Education and worked at various elementary schools and Lakeview High School; she worked for the Chicago Board of Education for 27 years before retiring in 1998; she received several Chicago Board of Education commendations and proclamations for her excellent work; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert served as both board member and general member on several community organizations, including the Menard Block Club, the Association for a Better Austin, and the Menard Avenue Neighborhood Watch Program; she was an active member of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where she participated in the gospel choir, adult Bible class, and other ministries; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert always provided her time, experience, knowledge, and concern to those who were in need; she was known as one of the great cooks in the family; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, L.J. Halbert; her son, Jerome Halbert (Georgette); her grandchild, Kristen Nicole Halbert; her siblings, Ora McGavock, Verdell McGee, Grace Pruitt, Eddie McGee, and Charles McGee; and her parents; and

WHEREAS, Melva Halbert is survived by her daughter, Debra Patrice Elizabeth Halbert Evans (Willard); her son, Michael Anthony Peter Halbert (Victoria); her grandchildren, Patrice Imani Evans, Willard Samuel Evans III, and Paris Elizabeth Halbert; her siblings, Leedale McGee, Cozen Quince, Joyce Wilburn, and Drucilla Woods; her sister-in-law, Dessie Amos; her brother-in-law, Charles Halbert Sr.; and numerous extended relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Melva Jean Halbert, 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 Melva Halbert as an expression of our deepest sympathy.