SR0100 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0100 LRB101 10904 MST 56051 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Karen Williams-Grier, who passed away on January 22, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Karen Williams-Grier was born in Chicago to Antoinette Bass and Willie "Bill" Williams on January 6, 1961; she graduated from the Academy of Our Lady in 1979 and studied nursing at Lewis University; she married Bernard Grier on August 16, 1997; and

WHEREAS, Karen Williams-Grier was a member of the Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church, where she was part of the Caregivers Ministry and president of the Usher Board; she enjoyed talking on the phone, listing to music and her police scanner, and staying current by watching the news; she was warm, funny, and generous to a fault; she lived her life with purpose; and

WHEREAS, Karen Williams-Grier was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Alvin and Nettie James Dumas; her paternal grandparents, Willie and Ellen Williams; her special aunt, Loretta Palm; and other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, Karen Williams-Grier is survived by her husband, Bernard Grier; her children, Lauren (Benjamin III) Holliman and Joshua Grier; her parents; her bonus mom, Sylester Williams; her brothers, Kevin Williams, Keith Richardson, and Keyth (Sharri) Williams; her grandchildren, Benjamin IV and Savannah Holliman; her nephews, Keyth II and Kaysen Williams; her special cousins, Michael and Annette; her best friend since kindergarten, Kathy Williams; her adopted brother, Hudson Palm; her aunt, Lanice Richardson; and extended family member and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Karen Williams-Grier 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 Karen Williams-Grier as an expression of our deepest sympathy.