Bill Text: IL HR0015 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Sylvia Branch Washington.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-01-30 - Resolution Adopted [HR0015 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-HR0015-Introduced.html

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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

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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

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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.