HR0597 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0597 LRB101 15241 MST 64412 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Joanetta Marilyn "Joan" Copeland, who passed away on October 24, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland was born to Irma and Earl Davis on November 4, 1950; she attended Greater Exodus Missionary Baptist Church; she graduated from Charles Sumner Elementary School in 1965 and from John Marshall High School in 1969; she married Martin "Marty" Copeland on February 20, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland had a passion and zeal for learning and education, especially in the area of early child development; she earned an applied science degree in child development from Malcolm X College in 1975, a Bachelor of Arts in 1987, and a Masters of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University in 1990; she also completed additional graduate courses at several other universities, including the University of Iowa, Northern Illinois University, National Louis University, and Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland was a teacher and administrator at Bethel Christian School; at Malcolm X College, she served as chairperson of the Child Development Department from 2001 to 2007; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Golden Apple Teacher Award (1981), Distinguished Professor (Malcolm X College 2009), and the Kathy Osterman Award (City of Chicago 2010); she was a grant proofreader and writer and authored two children's books, Homeys with a Future (1980) and Carrie's Journal (1982); in 1982, she was featured on Someone You Should Know with former TV anchor Harry Porterfield of WLS News; in 1993, she was a featured writer in the News and Views section of Parenting Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland entered the ministry in 2018; she served as Director of The Intergenerational Connection Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she served as an usher and as a Sunday school teacher; when it came to fashion, she was in a class all by herself; she always wore outfits coordinated from head to toe, and her extensive African wardrobe was inspirational and often radiant; and

WHEREAS, Joan Copeland is survived by her husband, Martin "Marty"; her father, Earl Davis; her sons, Earl Lamont (Tanya), Kevin Jabbar (Phyllis), and Maurice Ali; her siblings, Joyce White, Cynthia Osafo, Oless James, Delores James, Marilyn Straughter, Donnie James, and Michael James; her aunts, Alice Handy, Ethel Mae Cummings, Evelyn Rutledge, and Gloria Watkins; her sister-in-law, Paulette Watkins; her brother-in-law, Michael Copeland; her grandchildren, Earl Jr., Denzel, Diamond, Kevonna Jonae', and Rodger; her great-granddaughter, Aubree; her goddaughter, Chawn; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; her very special and dear friend, Edna Nixon; and other relatives, friends, and her Bethel Lutheran Church family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Joanetta Marilyn "Joan" Copeland 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 Joan Copeland as an expression of our deepest sympathy.