Full Text of SR0008

SR0008 LRB104 07161 LAW 17198 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ada Louise Johnson-Rogers of Springfield, who passed away on December 11, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers was born to Richard William Johnson and Blanche Mae Lue-Johnson in Springfield on May 24, 1937; she committed to her faith at an early age at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Springfield, where she sang in the children's choir; she attended Garfield High School and Mexico High School, both in Mexico, Missouri, and she furthered her education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers worked as a revenue collector for the Internal Revenue Service for several years until her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers was a talented musician, and she sang in choirs during her school and college years and played the piano, clarinet, saxophone, violin, and organ; in 1987, she met her life partner and fellow musician, John T. Crisp Jr., and they began their musical journey of traveling the country while performing with her band, Chahrm with Ada Lou; she performed at The East Side Jazz Festival, Music in the Park, Robbie's Restaurant, Lincoln Land Community College, Dim Art House, fundraisers, and family reunions; over the course of her career, she worked with a number of talented artists, including Bobby Rush, Bobby King, Preston Jackson, Cecil Bridgewater, Candy Foster, Joe Boyce, The Crisp Sisters, and Big Time Sarah, and she became a local legend in her own right; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church of Springfield, where she supported a number of youth programs; she also volunteered at the Tubman Anthony Self-Help Center and organized youth choirs on the east side of Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers was known the "purple lady" for her love of the color; she was usually seen wearing something purple and even painted her house purple; she was honest and caring to all; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers was preceded in death by her parents; and

WHEREAS, Ada Johnson-Rogers is survived by her sister, Patricia Ann Carpenter; her life partner, John T. Crisp Jr.; two stepsons; her niece, Sheila Louise (Keith) Carpenter-Johnson; her nephews, Vincent Carpenter and Conrade' D. Carpenter; and a host of cousins, friends, and neighbors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ada Louise Johnson-Rogers 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 Ada Johnson-Rogers as an expression of our deepest sympathy.