HR0015 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0015 LRB098 06373 GRL 36415 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sylvia Branch Washington, who passed away on January 11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington was born on March 4, 1956; her parents were James and Leora Branch; she married Aaron Washington on July 11, 1987; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington graduated from Dunbar High School in 1974; she subsequently attended Daley College to pursue an associate's degree; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington worked at the Corps of Engineers, Continental Bank, and Heller Financial until she accepted a position as a part-time receptionist for Chicago 18th Ward Alderman Thomas Murphy, where she served faithfully for 14 years; through her dedication to the 18th Ward, she later became the 40th Precinct captain and assistant to the Alderman; as assistant to the Alderman, her duties included taking complaints and taking city service and infrastructure requests from 18th Ward residents; and

WHEREAS, Upon the election of Chicago 18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane, Sylvia Branch Washington joined her staff and served as Chief of Staff of the 18th Ward Alderman for 5 years; throughout her service with Alderman Lane, she worked on obtaining various infrastructure projects for the community, such as repairs to the streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and obtaining new street lights; she sat on the board of directors for Wrightwood Community Development Corporation and served as Commissioner for Southwest Guaranteed Home Equity; she worked closely with developers on planning new schools, dialysis centers, Ultra Foods stores, and restaurants; she also planned and scheduled the alderman's daily meetings; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington as a member of Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Pastor Otis Moss III; in her youth, she sang lead in the family choir, gave prophecy, and delivered sermons; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father and stepfather; her 2 brothers; and her sister; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Branch Washington will be dearly missed by her loving family, which includes Leora Lockett, Aaron Washington, Aaron Branch (Deborah), Doretha Davis (Michael), Betty Sanders, Cynthia Smith, Shelia Jackson (Jack), Caryscine Branch (Juanita), Kevin Branch, Kenneth Branch, and Christopher Branch; her 29 nephews and nieces; and her many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Sylvia Branch Washington; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sylvia Branch Washington as an expression of our sympathy.