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1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3 to learn of the death of Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule,
4 who passed away on August 12, 2022; and
5 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was born to Wesley B. Witherspoon
6 Sr. and Cleadith Mae Jones-Witherspoon on August 6, 1939; she
7 graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in June 1957; she
8 earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from
9 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where she later
10 received her master's degree; she married Marvin Rule in the
11 mid-1960s, and he preceded her in death; and
12 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was an educator for over 30 years,
13 beginning her teaching career at Golden Garden Elementary
14 School in East St. Louis; she later moved to several other
15 schools within East St. Louis School District 189, becoming a
16 spokesperson for her peers within the district and leaving her
17 mark on every school and child; during her teaching career,
18 she was noted for making lessons fun and bringing out the best
19 in her students through building their confidence and
20 self-esteem; she fought for excellence in education until her
21 retirement; and
22 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho
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1 Sorority, Inc.'s Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter and a founding
2 member of the undergraduate chapter Gamma Beta; she was
3 inducted on July 29, 1961; through the sorority, she mentored
4 and provided scholarships for numerous young ladies, and she
5 also often served and checked on elderly sorority sisters; her
6 involvement in the organization inspired her nieces and
7 great-nieces to make their debut into society at the Sigma
8 Gamma Rho Debutante Cotillion; and
9 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule committed to her faith at an early
10 age; she was very active at First Baptist Church of Golden
11 Garden, where she served as an usher, a choir member, and a
12 Sunday school teacher; after leaving First Baptist Church, she
13 became a member and mother at The Faith House in O'Fallon;
14 after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to family,
15 she became a dedicated member of Salem Baptist Church until
16 she could no longer attend; she remained deeply devoted to her
17 faith until her passing; and
18 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule loved cooking, and one of her
19 favorite side dishes to serve was baked apples; she enjoyed
20 knitting and crocheting while watching recorded episodes of
21 The Price is Right, and she was known for making a blanket for
22 each newborn in the family, which are still cherished by the
23 recipients; and
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1 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule, as the oldest of five siblings, was
2 a true leader, a protector, and a good listener; she was
3 committed to taking care of her family, making sure they had
4 everything they needed, and she treated her nieces and nephews
5 as if they were her own children; she became the matriarch and
6 rock of the Witherspoon family, and she will be remembered for
7 her strength and wisdom; and
8 WHEREAS, Saundra Rule was preceded in death by her
9 husband; her parents; her brother, Edward Witherspoon; and her
10 sisters, Gloria Jean Witherspoon and Mary Ann Houston; and
11 WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Saundra Rule was
12 survived by her sister, Lenora Eunice Crockett; her brother,
13 Wesley B. (Rosie) Witherspoon Jr.; her nieces and nephews,
14 Cheryl (Cornell) Gordon, Keith Crockett, Kimberly (Paul) Blow,
15 Cynthia (Demone) Phelps, Ronald (Tammy) Houston Jr., Joanna
16 Witherspoon, Corey (Janae) Houston, Doug Robbins, Wesley B.
17 (Frieda) Witherspoon III, and Thaddeus "TJ" Houston; her
18 godson, Kevin Anderson; and a host of cousins, great-nieces,
19 great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews,
20 friends, and former students; therefore, be it
21 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
22 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
23 Saundra Reveille (Witherspoon) Rule and extend our sincere
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1 condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved
2 her; and be it further
3 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
4 presented to the family of Saundra Rule as an expression of our
5 deepest sympathy.
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