SR0707 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0707 LRB103 37184 LAW 67303 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Debbie Duncan Reed of Quincy, who passed away on January 4, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed was born to Linda Mary Duncan and John David Duncan on February 11, 1965; she attended Unity High School, where she was in band, played sports, and raised and sold Christmas trees for 4-H; she was later crowned Adams County Pork Queen in honor of her work supporting Illinois Pork Producers; she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University; she married Dr. Brennan Reed, and they lived in St. Louis, Missouri at the start of their marriage while Brennan was completing his residency; she obtained her Master of Arts in Leadership from Bellevue University in 2006 and her Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed began her non-profit career working with the American Lung Association; following her husband Brennan's residency, they moved back to Quincy, where Debbie created her own marketing and publishing firm, The DDR Group; while she enjoyed her stint in entrepreneurship, her passion for helping people led her back to the world of non-profits; she began a 30-year career at Chaddock to support children in need, where she excelled and moved from from director of marketing to president/CEO; during her tenure, she combined her non-profit and entrepreneurial experience to expand Chaddock's mission and played a pivotal role in achieving major milestones at Chaddock, including building a LEAD certified cottage and the opening of the new Chaddock School, the Chaddock satellite school in Carthage, and the Knowledge Center at Chaddock; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed also shared her passion for leadership through her blog, Reed about Leadership, and authored two books, Attachment Theory in Action and Raising the Challenging Child; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed made national and international impact in leadership roles through the United Methodist Association (UMA), where she was recently featured as a keynote speaker and was honored with the UMA Mission Award; she was a lifelong member of the Ellington Presbyterian Church, contributing to the church session, the Vacation Bible School experience, and countless church dinners; she led the Ellington Hilltoppers 4-H Club, receiving the Dale Donley 4-H Leader of the Year Award for her work; recently, she was recognized by her local community, receiving the KHQA Hometown Hero Award and being named a YWCA Woman of Impact; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed, with her infectious spirit and never-ending patience, was known for always looking for opportunities to help people in need and solve problems and for always finding time for friends and family, traveling, and investing in her community; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed was preceded in death by her father; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Reed is survived by her husband of 38 years, Brennan; her sons, Tanner and Landon; her mother; her brother, Doug (Kim) Duncan; her sister, Donna (Mike) Jansen; her brother-in-law, Brian (Mary Jo) Reed; and many nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Debbie Duncan Reed 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 Debbie Reed as an expression of our deepest sympathy.