Bill Text: IL SR1253 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Berta Louise Cowan Lightford of Chicago.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-11-16 - Resolution Adopted [SR1253 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-SR1253-Introduced.html

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SR1253 LRB102 29339 ECR 41320 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Berta Louise Cowan Lightford of
Chicago, who passed away on October 23, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford was born to Andy Cowan Jr. and
Mary Frances Leslie Cowan in Huntsville, Alabama on November
19, 1925; she attended Springhill Grammar School and Council
High School in Madison County, Alabama; she took welding
classes at A&M College during World War II; she married Eddie
Clifton Lightford on November 22, 1944, and they moved to
Chicago in 1946, raising their children there for 32 years;
and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford worked at Redstone Arsenal, a
U.S. Army base, in Huntsville, Alabama; she became a housewife
after marriage, which she loved as she and her husband were
very family oriented; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford volunteered as block club
president after becoming a widow; she then became a precinct
captain, joining two of her daughters in politics; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford was committed to her faith; she
grew up as a member of the Springhill Methodist AME Church; she

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was later baptized at Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Chicago,
where she often attended services with her daughters; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford enjoyed entertaining her family,
traveling, fishing, watching soap operas, shopping, and
decorating her home; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford was known for living her life on
her own terms; she loved her family immensely and was
endlessly proud of them and their accomplishments, happily
sharing family stories with others; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband; her grandfather, Andy Cowan Sr.; her
grandmother, Berta Timmons-Joyner Cowan; her cousin, Arthur
Love Sr.; her brother, James Daniel "JD" Cowan; her
brother-in-law, Ennis Lightford; and her best friend and
sister-in-law, Delia Fitcheard Lightford; and
WHEREAS, Berta Lightford is survived by her children,
Andrew Clark, Melvin (Barbara) Leon Sr., Carolyn (Paul),
Pamela Olivia, and Mamie Frances; her grandchildren, Carmelita
Patrice (Eric), Billy Arthur, Janon Monique, April Marie,
Kimberly Ann (Eric), Michael Clark, Pamela Delores, Melvin
(Sonya) Leon Jr., Curtis II, Carolyn Lightford, Jessica Lynn
(Zachary), and Darryl Stephen; her 21 great-grandchildren; her

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12 great-great-grandchildren; her stepson, Arthur Lee
(Joanne); her nine step-grandchildren; her nephews, Lynn
Patrick Love and Virgil (Kathy) Blevins; a host of nieces,
nephews, and cousins; her goddaughter, Deborah Ann Gamble; and
her friends, Linton Johnson, Maria Branch, Michael Owens, and
Curtis Owens Sr.; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Berta Louise Cowan Lightford 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 Berta Lightford as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.