MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2025
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the life of Loriece McDuffie Carlton
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WHEREAS, born on September 4, 1939, in Fordyce, Arkansas, Loriece was the cherished daughter of the late Jennie McCrary McDuffie and Isiah McDuffie. Loriece was married to Elmaurice Carlton and together they had two children, Maurice and Lori. Education was not only her profession, but her calling. A proud graduate of AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Loriece went on to earn her master’s degree from Tuskegee University. She began her teaching career in the Arkansas school system and spent 40 years dedicated to nurturing young minds. To her, children were gifts from God, and teaching them was an honor; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong lover of books, Loriece believed wisdom was one of the greatest treasures a person could hold. Her advice to all children was simple yet powerful: Read, Learn, and Excel. She carried this philosophy through every chapter of her life; and
WHEREAS, her devotion to service stretched far beyond the classroom. Loriece was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter. A virtuous woman of deep and abiding faith, Loriece was a loyal and active member of Greater Ward Chapel AME Church in Pine Bluff. She joyfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Choir member, Lay organization participant, and a dedicated member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Over the years, she lent her gifts wherever needed-whether as a church school teacher, pianist, program assistant, or helping prepare food and clothing for those in need. Her heart for service was both steady and sincere; and
WHEREAS, outside of her work and ministries, Loriece found delight in life’s simple joys-traveling, reading, working word puzzles, and, of course, teaching her students. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her world. The highlight of every year was spending Christmas in Chicago with her grandchildren, surrounded by her loved ones, filling the home with warmth, laughter, and stories; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, Loriece and her mother, Jennie, moved to Olympia Fields, Illinois, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. There, she was embraced by loving neighbors and new friends who brightened her days with visits, sweet treats, and cheerful conversations; and
WHEREAS, across her 86 years, Loriece embodied grace, wisdom, resilience, and a steadfast love rooted in faith. She led gently, served humbly, and loved abundantly. Her light remains in the many lives she touched, the lessons she instilled, and the love she so freely gave. Her life was a gentle offering of wisdom, kindness, and compassion. She poured love into every space and soul she touched-her home, her classroom, her church, and her community. Her legacy is stitched into every life she nurtured. With grace, she finished her course, leaving us footsteps of faith to follow. May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby extend our condolences to the family of Loriece McDuffie Carlton; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the family of Loriece McDuffie Carlton.
Dated: December 4, 2025