SR1564 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1564 LRB101 22262 MST 73299 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leroy Jordan of Springfield, who passed away on September 5, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Jordan was born in Murphysboro to Edward Sr. and Alma Johnson Jordan on December 27, 1941; he graduated from Murphysboro High School, where he was a defensive back and inducted into their Hall of Fame; he received his bachelor's degree in education from Southern Illinois University and his master's degree from Sangamon State University; he married Johnetta Williams in Murphysboro on August 5, 1963; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Jordan began his career as a schoolteacher in Hopkins Park and then moved to Springfield, where he taught for District 186; he was the first African American male schoolteacher in a classroom in Springfield; from 1976 to 1982, he was a member of the District 186 School Board, serving as president twice; he also served on the Catholic School Board; he was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Sangamon State University and an assistant superintendent for District 186; he was the principal of the adult education program at Southeast High School in Springfield and worked for the Springfield Diocese as director of the Black Catholic Ministries; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Jordan was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Prince Hall Masons, the NAACP, the Urban League, the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, and the Faith Coalition for the Common Good; he was a Springfield Dominican Associate and was co-chair of the Springfield Dominican Anti-Racism Team; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Jordan was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Peter Bruce Jordan and Edward Jordan Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Jordan is survived by his wife, Johnetta; his daughters, Laura A. Jordan, Loralean A. Jordan, Jennifer N. Jordan (Rose White), and Rose Ann (Keith) White; his grandchildren, Christian Jordan, Levi Jordan-White, and Ariel Baldon; his siblings, Margaret Griffin, Linda Jordan, and Melvin (Martha) Jordan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Leroy Jordan and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Leroy Jordan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.