SR1273 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1273 LRB102 18163 MST 25650 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kimberly Joyce Payton, who passed away on April 7, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton was born in Chicago to Ophelia Payton and Ray McElroy Sr. on January 2, 1981; as a young child, she was a member of Nazareth Lee Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi before her family relocated to Chicago and joined New Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church; she graduated from Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi in 2000 and attended Jackson State University; she received her degree from Everest College in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton was employed at Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center as a Constant Observer; she was also employed with Comfort Care and Gratia as a Service Provider; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton was a member of Greater Morning View Missionary Baptist Church; she had relationships and fellowship with a host of ministries, including Rose of Sharon Women's Group, the Pastor Paula Miller Ministry, and St. Luke Missionary Baptist; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton was affectionately known as KJ, Kimmie, Kim, and Momma Kim; her life's accomplishments were being a good mother and a national and local Stand for Children Fellow; she loved to advocate on behalf of children, sing, and talk to her family and friends; more than anything, she loved her mother, who has always been her rock; she loved her children, grandchildren, and job at Jackson Park Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton was preceded in death by her father, Ray McElroy; her stepfather, Evis McGee; her grandmother, Pearline Gardner (Payton); her grandfathers, Prentiss Payton and Randolph Lindsey; her aunts, Christel Davis and Nina McElroy-Leslie; and her uncles, Randy Lindsey and Billy Payton; and

WHEREAS, Kimberly Payton is survived by her mother, Ophelia McGee; her grandmother, Dorthy Lindsey; her children, Ja'Quavion Payton, Jeremiah Payton, Kayleb Payton, Kaylan Payton-Mosley (Jazzy), and Ma'Kaiya Payton; her grandson, Jameir Payton; her sister, Arishanta Bibbs (Corey); her brothers, Joseph Payton (Serina), Evis McGee Jr. (Karen), and Ray McElroy Jr.; her aunts, Pearlie Hawk (Auntee Mae Mae), Robin Tate, and Dr. Allison Dixon (Dr. Randy); her uncles, Lonnie Smith, Charles Payton (Uncle Mack), and Theodore Lindsey (Uncle Teddy); her great-aunts, Betty Miles, Aurelia Irwin, and Mary Jane Miller; her great-uncle, Harold Carter; her special cousins, Toya Smith and Christal Spencer; her special friend, Raymond Jones; and numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kimberly Joyce Payton 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 Kimberly Payton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.