HR0679 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0679 LRB103 40135 LAW 71825 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Alexandria Lynn Scott Pearson of Peoria, who passed away on March 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was born to Allen and Gabrella (McClelland) Scott in Bloomington on December 6, 1941; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson worked as a materials handler at Caterpillar, Inc., retiring after 30 years of service in 1998; while at Caterpillar, she was very active with UAW Local 974, the CAP Committee, the Women Committee, and the Fair Practice Committee, and she presided as co-chair of Unit 4; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was elected to the Peoria County Board in 1984, where she served for 32 years before retiring in 2016; she served as vice-chair from 1992 to 1994 and 1996 to 1998; she became the first African American to be appointed chairperson, serving in that position from 1998 to 2000; during her tenure, she was a member of numerous committees and a trailblazer, championing many incentives that still benefit the region today; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson passionately fought on behalf of others throughout her life, joining the NAACP at a young age to bring change to the hiring practices at Sears & Roebucks and Cilco Electric Co. in Peoria; she was a lifelong member of the Peoria NAACP, serving on numerous committees and boards over the years; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson represented her community through many other organizations, including serving as the chairperson of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and the Peoria County Democratic Women Committee, a delegate for the 1980 Democratic Convention, the co-chair of Peoria Community Against Violence, the board president of the Friendship House, a board member of the United Way, a charter member of the Peoria Red Hat Club and the A. Phillip Randolph Foundation, and a member of the Peoria African American Hall of Fame and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program; she became a member of the Police and Fire Commission on June 28, 2005, serving as chairperson from 2008 and 2022 and vice-chair until December 2023; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was a lifelong member of Ward Chapel AME Church, where she was one of only two women to serve as trustee; she was also chair of the Social Action Commission, where she organized the candidate forum, registered voters, and kept the congregation informed on issues affecting their community; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was the recipient of many accolades, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award in 2017; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson enjoyed traveling, reading, caring for her family, listening to music, attending social gatherings, eagle watching, and pairing good food with good conversation; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was a true caregiver, serving her family, friends, church, and community, and served as a mentor to many women; she will be remembered as a champion for female empowerment in politics and civic affairs; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Scott Darell Pearson; and her sisters, Karen Scott and Betty Welch; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Scott Pearson is survived by her sons, Allen Pearson Sr. and Jay (Ja'nice) Pearson; her grandchildren, Ciera (Kevin Syrovy) Wallace, Nevaeh (DeMarcus Stephenson) Pearson, Allen Pearson Jr., Brianne Pearson, Nikia Pearson, Jamara (Christian) Pearson-Lloyd, Caleb (Hallaha Powers) Pearson, Christiaan Pearson, and Deven Pearson; her seven great-grandchildren, Kieran, Celisa, Jamaria, Jay, Amiya, Alaysia, and Alexander; her nieces, Kendra Nunn and Ebonie Scott; her nephews, Corey Scott and Glen Scott; her special friends, Barbra Jamison and Edie Grady; and a host of relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Alexandria Lynn Scott Pearson 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 Lynn Scott Pearson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.