HR0684 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0684 LRB103 40189 ECR 72029 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Clevan Tucker Jr., who passed away on March 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Clevan Tucker was born to Laurene and Clevan Tucker Sr. in Chicago on July 7, 1947; he was baptized in the Catholic church at an early age and attended St. Joachim School; he became certified in many trades at Chicago Vocation High School, graduating in June 1966; he received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Chicago State University in June 1970; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971, where he trained and served active duty as a marksman shooter; he was honorably discharged on August 31, 1973; and

WHEREAS, After graduating college, Clevan Tucker briefly taught before being drafted into military service; after his discharge, he returned to work for Chicago Public Schools, teaching art at Calumet High School; he served as the head of the Art Department for many years and as the director of the stage crew, leading many successful school productions; he retired from teaching after nearly 30 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Clevan Tucker received many accolades, including an award for outstanding and dedicated service from the Chicago Board of Education and an Outstanding Teacher Award from Calumet High School in 1985 and in 1987; he received the prestigious Oppenheimer Family Foundation Teacher Incentive Grant in 2003; he also received an award from Alderperson Freddrenna Lyle for his dedication to the community of the 6th ward in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Clevan Tucker became more involved in the Roseland Heights Community, serving as vice president and then president of the Roseland Heights Community Association; he was an active member of the Red Line Extension Coalition in partnership with West Chesterfield and the 95th Street Businesses from State Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; he created the plan for University Village 95, commonly referred to as UV95, and introduced it to surrounding communities, asking for support; he had recently became a Community Advisory Group member for the 95th Street Corridor Plan sponsored by multiple city agencies; he also successfully implemented the Roseland Heights Boulevard of Gardens in two different locations; and

WHEREAS, Clevan Tucker was a strong, committed resident of his community; he was hard working, detail-oriented, kind, outspoken, strong, and loved by many; he was always looking out for his neighbors, friends, and others; he could be counted on to put a funny spin on any situation in an effort to lessen the stress and concerns of daily life; and

WHEREAS, Clevan Tucker was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Glorya Jean, Carlene, and Harold; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Clevan Tucker Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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