SR0840 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0840 LRB103 39877 MST 70765 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Billie Jean Miller, who passed away on February 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller was born in Brooklyn to Annie Mae and Nathaniel O'Bannon Sr. on June 23, 1936, the youngest of 13 children; she graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in East St. Louis; she married Henry Miller Sr., and the couple had nine children, leading to more than 80 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller was the owner and proprietor of Billie's Pastries, known as The Doughnut Shop to the many regulars who have visited since it opened approximately 44 years ago; the shop was a landmark for regulars, aspiring politicians, public officials, and the broader St. Clair County community; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller previously worked at the General Assistance office in Centreville, now a part of Cahokia Heights, where she worked to inspire, uplift, and motivate her clients; she also worked as a teacher's assistant in East St. Louis School District 189 for nearly 20 years, supporting students in numerous ways; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller served for more than 35 years as a Republican precinct committeewoman; she became clerk and city treasurer of Centreville and served on a number of boards; her focus on helping people throughout her life earned her an award from the NAACP, presented to her by Congressman John Lewis, whose words on joining a "good fight" she often echoed; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller was a member of the Church of the Living God in Fairview Heights; she was a very active parent, volunteering when needed and supporting all of her children's activities; and

WHEREAS, Billie Miller touched many lives; she was a person of faith who could be tough when needed but always fair and kind; she will be remembered for her passion for helping others, her political savvy, her strength of character, her role as a family matriarch, and the community impact of her business, Billie's Pastries; 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 Billie Jean Miller 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 Billie Miller as an expression of our deepest sympathy.