This Senate resolution honors the life of Clarence R. Wirth, a resident of Worth who passed away in 2026 at the age of 96. The bill formally records his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and acknowledges his career as a home builder who designed his family home. It also recognizes his personal achievements, including earning a black belt in judo and his long-standing role as a community member and family man. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs that a copy of the document be presented to them as a tribute.
This Senate resolution honors the memory of Frances Orona, a resident of Chicago who passed away and is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. The bill expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to her family and friends while acknowledging her life of kindness and generosity. It directs that a formal copy of the resolution be presented to her family as a gesture of sympathy. This measure is a commemorative resolution and does not create any new laws or policy changes.
This Senate Resolution honors the life of Joane Margaret Watkins, a community volunteer and matriarch from Chicago, following her recent death. The bill formally recognizes her extensive service, including over 50,000 volunteer hours and receiving awards from former Presidents Obama and Biden, while noting her lineage as a descendant of a freed slave. It expresses the Senate's condolences to her surviving family and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to them as a gesture of sympathy.
This Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Standish E. "Kwame" Willis, a prominent Chicago civil rights attorney and activist who passed away in Ghana. The bill formally memorializes his extensive contributions to social justice, including his work as a CTA bus driver during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, his career as a lawyer specializing in police brutality cases, and his role in founding organizations like Black People Against Police Torture. It highlights his specific achievements, such as helping to establish the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission and his advocacy for victims of racial oppression both locally and internationally. The resolution serves as an official record of his impact on civil rights and community organizing rather than enacting new laws or policies.
Senate Resolution 848 is a memorial resolution honoring James Oliver Gross, a social service leader and educator who passed away in February 2026. The document outlines his life achievements, including his work as a teacher in Venezuela, his career directing community centers in Chicago, and his role in influencing laws related to nuisance, domestic violence, and expungement. It also lists his surviving family members and expresses the Senate's condolences to them. No new laws or policies are enacted by this resolution; it serves solely to recognize his legacy and offer sympathy to his loved ones.
Senate Resolution 837 honors the life of Loretta Arceneaux, a Chicago resident who passed away and is survived by her family. The resolution acknowledges her career achievements, including founding a Black and female-owned consulting firm and managing housing for seniors and people with disabilities. It formally expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to her family and friends and directs that a copy of the resolution be given to them as a gesture of sympathy.
This bill is a memorial resolution honoring Spencer Leak Jr., a Chicago businessman and civic leader who passed away. It formally expresses the Illinois House of Representatives' condolences to his family and recognizes his lifelong contributions to the funeral industry and community service. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official tribute to his legacy and the impact he had on his community.
This Senate resolution honors the memory of Kamaria L. Gross, who passed away in April 2025, and offers condolences to her family and friends. The document outlines her life achievements, including her education at Whitney Young High School and Howard University, as well as her professional work in human resources and contract compliance for various Chicago organizations. It formally recognizes her contributions and expresses the Senate's sorrow over her death. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of the document be given to her family as a gesture of sympathy.
This Senate resolution honors Carol M. Gaines, a resident of Chicago who passed away on July 7, 2025. The bill formally records the Senate's condolences to her surviving family members, including her children, grandchildren, and friends. It also directs that a copy of the resolution be given to the Gaines family as a gesture of sympathy.
Senate Resolution 839 honors the life of Tamer Lee Gonzalez, a musician and community volunteer from Chicago who passed away in April 2025. The bill formally records her biography, highlighting her achievements as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and dedicated member of various churches and schools. It expresses the Senate's condolences to her surviving family, including her parents, son, and husband, and directs that a copy of the resolution be given to them. This measure is a commemorative tribute rather than a law that changes policy or regulations.
Senate Resolution 860 honors Spencer Leak Jr., a Chicago funeral director and third-generation owner of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, who passed away on May 31, 2026. The resolution acknowledges his career achievements, community leadership, and family contributions while expressing the Senate's condolences to his loved ones. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Leak's family as a formal gesture of sympathy.
This Senate Resolution honors the life of Ronald J. Ward, a resident of Chatham who recently passed away. The document formally records his service in the U.S. Navy, his 20-year career as a security therapy aide for the state, and his personal history, including his family and hobbies. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his surviving wife, children, grandchildren, and dog, and directs that a copy of the resolution be given to his family as a gesture of sympathy.
