HR0585 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0585 LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Debra Thompson, a beloved community activist, organizer, mentor, volunteer, and true pillar of the Greater Englewood community of Chicago, whose life of service leaves an enduring legacy of leadership, compassion, and neighborhood empowerment; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was born and raised in the Greater Englewood community, residing on the same block since the age of one in a beautiful greystone flat that symbolized her deep roots, lifelong stability, and unwavering commitment to the people and place she proudly called home; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was a devoted mother to her son, Daniel, and a loving grandmother to her granddaughter, Anilyah, and her family was the heart of her purpose, grounding her work in love, pride, and generational strength; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson dedicated over 30 years of professional service to MCI/Verizon, retiring as a senior maintenance technician, specializing in Nortel Digital Multiplex System equipment, an accomplishment that reflected her technical excellence, perseverance, and trailblazing role as a woman in a highly skilled field; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's commitment to public service extended far beyond her professional career, as she devoted countless hours to community advocacy and volunteerism, including faithful service as a volunteer with the Office of State Representative Sonya M. Harper, where she offered her time, insight, and steadfast dedication to serving the residents of the 6th District; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was widely regarded as a role model, mentor, and trusted guide to young activists, community organizers, and emerging political leaders, generously sharing her lived experience, institutional knowledge, and unwavering encouragement with those seeking to serve with integrity and purpose; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson believed deeply in intergenerational leadership and intentionally creating space for younger voices to be heard, nurtured, and empowered; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson, through her mentorship and everyday presence, helped shape and strengthen local leadership pipelines in Greater Englewood, leaving a lasting imprint on individuals who continue to serve as advocates, organizers, and public servants; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as president of the 65th & Peoria Street Block Club, an organization originally formed by her parents and fellow property owners in the 1960s, and as a second-generation leader, she resurrected and revitalized the block club in 2002, ensuring its continued strength and relevance; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson led numerous neighborhood projects, addressing abandoned buildings, health and wellness initiatives, senior safety, and access to community resources, always centering dignity, safety, and collective responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was actively involved in a wide range of community initiatives, including the Midnight Circus fundraiser for Ogden Park, summer youth programming, back-to-school block parties, book donation drives, and other efforts designed to uplift children, families, and seniors throughout Greater Englewood; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as president of the Southwest Federation of Greater Englewood Block Clubs, organizing workshops on landlord-tenant rights, home buying and repair, estate planning, and building sustainable block clubs, thereby strengthening civic participation and resident leadership across neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was a fierce and compassionate advocate for seniors, consistently elevating the voices, dignity, and needs of older adults and recognizing seniors as the backbone, historians, and stabilizers of the Greater Englewood community; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as chairperson of the Age-Friendly Englewood Village, a City of Chicago initiative focused on helping seniors and people with disabilities age safely and with dignity in their homes and community, spearheading efforts around housing stability, accessibility, transportation, health, and social connection; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson further demonstrated visionary leadership as chairperson of the Age-Friendly Dementia Englewood Village, courageously addressing the growing challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their caregivers through education, advocacy, and community-based support; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson, as Founder of the See Me organization, developed in collaboration with Chicago Cares, created Cafe 65', a senior-centered activity and information program that reduced isolation, fostered connection, and expanded access to critical resources for older residents; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's commitment to lifelong learning was reflected in her educational achievements, which included graduation from St. Thomas the Apostle High School in 1973, earning an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Elementary from Loop College (now Harold Washington College) in 1977, and obtaining an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics from Olive-Harvey College in 1981; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's extraordinary service was recognized through numerous honors and awards, including the Whole Cities Healthy Eating Award for the Greater Englewood Community Bucket Garden, the Herstory Award during Women's History Month, the Senior on the Move Award, and multiple appreciation awards for community contributions; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was further honored with the 2018 Senior of the Year Award and Distinguished Service Award from the 20th Ward Alderman, recognized by the 7th District Chicago Police Department CAPS Unit, and received the Sister Thea Bowman Humanitarian Award, Sister of a Struggle: Women of Change Award, Ladies of Excellence Award for Women Who Live on Purpose and the Floyd McGee Community Hero Award from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was recognized by the Cradle to Success Coalition for her unwavering support and dedication to community uplift; and

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson embodied the very best of civic leadership rooted in service, guided by love for community, and committed to lifting others, ensuring that neighbors, seniors, and future leaders alike were seen, heard, and supported; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Debra Thompson 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 Debra Thompson as a symbol of our deepest sympathy.