Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0449

HR0449 LRB104 15159 ECR 28303 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Mother Mary Ann Robinson of Peoria, who passed away on August 16, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson was born to Shellie and Minnie Mae (Jackson) Robinson in Peoria on October 11, 1947; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson first worked at the Pere Marquette Hotel and then at St. Francis Hospital for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson was a member of New Hope International Ministries, now New Life Christian Center, for over 40 years, where she served in the Outreach Program, on the Witness Team, and on the usher board; she was also a member of The Purple Hat Brigade (PHB); she was deeply committed to her faith and was praised for the impact she made on the whole church body; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson built her life centered around love, laughter, and faith, and her family was her greatest joy; she was a faithful and proud mother while raising her five sons, always present to guide and encourage; she turned every gathering into a holiday, always with a game of spades or bid wiz; she will especially be remembered for her beautiful and infectious smile and for always making people feel welcome; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, Albert Gene Russell; her daughter, Carla J. Robinson; her siblings, Shellie Robinson, Larry Robinson, Stanford C. Robinson, Richard V. Johnson, Terry L. Johnson, Pearlie M. Robinson, Beverly A. Robinson-Mack, and Arlethea Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Mary Robinson is survived by her sons, Tony (Carla) Robinson, Dennis E. (Nancy) Robinson, Mark E. Robinson, Albert M. Russell, and Brian K. (Cassandra) Russell; her siblings, Michael J. (Jackie) Robinson, Steven E. Robinson, Gary (Diana C.) Johnson, Yolanda (Ron) Severson, Valerie D. Johnson, and Tammy Johnson; 26 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mother Mary Ann Robinson 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 Mary Robinson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.