Bill Text: IL SR0301 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-05-19 - Resolution Adopted [SR0301 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0301-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule,
who passed away on August 12, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was born to Wesley B. Witherspoon
Sr. and Cleadith Mae Jones-Witherspoon on August 6, 1939; she
graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in June 1957; she
earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where she later
received her master's degree; she married Marvin Rule in the
mid-1960s, and he preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was an educator for over 30 years,
beginning her teaching career at Golden Garden Elementary
School in East St. Louis; she later moved to several other
schools within East St. Louis School District 189, becoming a
spokesperson for her peers within the district and leaving her
mark on every school and child; during her teaching career,
she was noted for making lessons fun and bringing out the best
in her students through building their confidence and
self-esteem; she fought for excellence in education until her
retirement; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho

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Sorority, Inc.'s Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter and a founding
member of the undergraduate chapter Gamma Beta; she was
inducted on July 29, 1961; through the sorority, she mentored
and provided scholarships for numerous young ladies, and she
also often served and checked on elderly sorority sisters; her
involvement in the organization inspired her nieces and
great-nieces to make their debut into society at the Sigma
Gamma Rho Debutante Cotillion; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule committed to her faith at an early
age; she was very active at First Baptist Church of Golden
Garden, where she served as an usher, a choir member, and a
Sunday school teacher; after leaving First Baptist Church, she
became a member and mother at The Faith House in O'Fallon;
after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to family,
she became a dedicated member of Salem Baptist Church until
she could no longer attend; she remained deeply devoted to her
faith until her passing; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule loved cooking, and one of her
favorite side dishes to serve was baked apples; she enjoyed
knitting and crocheting while watching recorded episodes of
The Price is Right, and she was known for making a blanket for
each newborn in the family, which are still cherished by the
recipients; and

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WHEREAS, Saundra Rule, as the oldest of five siblings, was
a true leader, a protector, and a good listener; she was
committed to taking care of her family, making sure they had
everything they needed, and she treated her nieces and nephews
as if they were her own children; she became the matriarch and
rock of the Witherspoon family, and she will be remembered for
her strength and wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was preceded in death by her
husband; her parents; her brother, Edward Witherspoon; and her
sisters, Gloria Jean Witherspoon and Mary Ann Houston; and
WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Saundra Rule was
survived by her sister, Lenora Eunice Crockett; her brother,
Wesley B. (Rosie) Witherspoon Jr.; her nieces and nephews,
Cheryl (Cornell) Gordon, Keith Crockett, Kimberly (Paul) Blow,
Cynthia (Demone) Phelps, Ronald (Tammy) Houston Jr., Joanna
Witherspoon, Corey (Janae) Houston, Doug Robbins, Wesley B.
(Frieda) Witherspoon III, and Thaddeus "TJ" Houston; her
godson, Kevin Anderson; and a host of cousins, great-nieces,
great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews,
friends, and former students; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule and extend our sincere

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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 Saundra Rule as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.