Bill Text: IL HR0108 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-03-23 - Resolution Adopted by Voice Vote [HR0108 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0108-Introduced.html

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HR0108 LRB103 31245 MST 58258 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Mattie
Ree Smith-Eiland, who passed away on February 16, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was born in Gary, Indiana
to Cornelius Smith and Rosia Ann Cumberland-Smith on November
11, 1928 and spent her formative years in Jackson,
Mississippi; she excelled at both Sally Reynolds Elementary
School and Jim Hill High School; she graduated from the
Jackson College for Negro Teachers (Jackson State University)
with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; she did
advanced degree work at Indiana State University; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland began her teaching career
in McComb, Mississippi and eventually returned to Jackson to
teach at her alma mater, Sally Reynolds Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland married Bernard H. Eiland
in 1953, and they eventually settled in Chicago, where they
attended Olivet Baptist Church; she taught in the Ford Heights
and East Chicago Heights school districts; in 1970, she joined
the Chicago Public School System and began teaching at Myra
Bradwell Elementary School; she went above and beyond the
requirements of the classroom and would often form personal

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relationships with many of her students; as a result of her
efforts and dedication, she was a multi-year honoree in Who's
Who Among American Teachers & Educators; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was passionate about her
community; she served as a board member for Grandma's House
for Battered Women and the Joint Negro Appeal; she sponsored
the Myra Bradwell Chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club and the
Red Circle Girls of Olivet Baptist Church; she was also a
faithful member of the St. Stephens Lutheran Church for over
20 years; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland retired from teaching for
the Chicago Public School System after 53 years but continued
to stay active; she became a member of the National Coalition
of 100 Black Women, while also working with pregnant teenage
girls; she enjoyed spending time with her family, babysitting,
talking with her friends, traveling, and continuing to educate
and encourage all those she encountered; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland was preceded in death by
her husband, Bernard Eiland; her parents; her brothers,
Prentiss Smith, Cornelius Smith II, and Daniel Cumberland; her
sisters, Ophia Dee and Mary Rembert; her niece, Sandra D.
Smith-Edwards; and her nephew, Fredrick A. Smith; and

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WHEREAS, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland is survived by her
daughter, Harriet; her sisters-in-law, Sarah Williams and
Dorothy Lewis; her family members, Marvin (Anitra), Frederic
"Bernie" (Theresa), Chris (Dominique), Marcus, Andres,
Abraham, Terrence, Daniel, Darryl, Phillicia "Nikki" (Calvin),
Sheryl D. (Earl), Ava (Andrew), Darla, Stephanie, April, and
Tiffany; her special sisters, Yvonne Best, Dr. Lois Sherman,
Gladys Norwood, and Carmen Clark; her special son, Donald
Reese Sr.; her special neighbors, Mario Tillman and Flora
Stone; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, students, and
loved ones; 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 Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland 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 Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland as an
expression of our deepest sympathy.