SR1228 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1228 LRB103 42736 ECR 75974 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Janice E. Curry, who passed away on September 7, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry, the daughter of Herbert Lomax and Anna Walker-Gillespie, was born in Maywood on June 20, 1948; she attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Proviso East High School in 1966; she then studied pre-law at Northwestern Business College; she married Johnny Curry at Second Baptist Church in 1967, and they later divorced; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry worked as an executive assistant at International Harvester and Commonwealth Edison; although her career took her into the corporate world, she also worked to support those in need, embracing that purpose at the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry was a devoted woman of faith; she was baptized as a child at the family's church, Second Baptist, but later became a member of James Memorial AME Church in 1984; she was an active member for 44 years, serving in the sanctuary choir; her greatest spiritual milestone was when she traveled to Jerusalem and was baptized in the Holy Land in 1990; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry published the book A Miracle in the Midst, which detailed her journey of faith and resilience after a near-death experience; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry love bowling and was a member of leagues at Superbowl and Rivera Lanes; she was an avid fan of basketball and football playoff pools; she also enjoyed quiet time, immersing herself in morning devotions and enjoying word searches and adult coloring books; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry was known for her humor and empathy; her door was always open to those in need, and she offered solace and wisdom to those who sought her counsel; her love for her family was limitless, and she always made herself available to support or guide her children; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Aaliah Curry; and

WHEREAS, Janice Curry is survived by her children, Deena (Derrick) Vassel, Antoine (Shebkra "Beka") Curry, and Portia (Victor) Davenport; her sister, Senita Simpson; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends; 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 Janice Curry 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 Janice Curry as an expression of our deepest sympathy.