SR0215 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0215 LRB101 11553 ALS 57468 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jackie Marie Morris of Kansas City, Kansas, who passed away on February 19, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Morris was born to the late Denver and Onighter (Smith) Morris on October 7, 1955; she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Speech Communication from Monmouth College and a Master of Science in Urban Education from Kansas State University, as well as many other certifications; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Morris was a reading and language arts elementary and secondary teacher in District 500 for 32 years; she rarely sent students to the principal's office for misbehaving and preferred to solve problems inside her classroom; she was passionate about getting parents more involved in educating children; she loved all of her students; she also worked as an adjunct professor at Johnson County Community College; for 40 years, she worked as a part-time bridal consultant for Halls Country Club Plaza and Crown Center; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Morris spent her time volunteering and working with children in her community; she served on many committees, including the Dr. King Jr. Annual Birthday Celebration; she was a Big Eight and Big Twelve Conference Scholarship Host committee member for 20 years, a cheerleader and drill team sponsor for the District for ten years, a debate coach, an oratorical contest consultant and judge for the Northeast and Rosedale Optimist Clubs, and a summer youth employment counselor for Gear-Up and JPTA; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Morris was strong in her faith; she joined the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church at the age of 11; after leaving Olivet, she attended the First Baptist Church in Kansas City; she later attended and joined the Palestine Missionary Baptist Church, where she volunteered, donated, and worked with the church's ministries, especially those involving children and youth, for 18 years; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Morris was an avid traveler and visited most of the United States, Italy, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Caribbean Islands of Jamaica, and Aruba; 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 Jackie Marie Morris 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 Jackie Morris as an expression of our deepest sympathy.