HR0639 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0639 LRB104 20418 MST 33882 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Joyce Regina Miller, who passed away on January 1, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was born to John and Leevolia Moore on June 8, 1962; she attended Mason Elementary School and was the valedictorian of Josephinum High School in 1979; she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Drake University in 1983 and her Doctor of Medicine from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1988; she married Andrea Miller at Carey Tercentenary AME Church in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller's career was dedicated to psychiatry; she served as chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Cook County Health & Hospital Systems (2019-2025) and as a long-standing consultant psychiatrist at Provident Hospital (2005-2025); she previously served Cook County as a staff psychiatrist at Cermak Hospital (2016-2019) and held major leadership positions, including medical director at Madden Hospital (2010-2016) and clinical director at Jackson Park Hospital's Friedell Clinic (2006-2013); she mentored future physicians as an attending physician at Rush University and an associate professor of psychiatry at Midwestern University, and her work from inpatient and outpatient care to correctional, HIV/mental health, developmental, postpartum, and emergency services reflected a lifelong commitment to patients with complex needs; most recently, she helped open the Cook County Health Bronzeville Health Center; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was a devoted member of Carey Tercentenary AME Church since her childhood; she was a faithful tither and remained deeply involved in church life, where she served as a class leader, supported the Women's Missionary Society, and contributed to the Missionary Board's work; she helped implement community health initiatives, including real-life hands-on support for elders and their families, and was invested in young people through the YPD program; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was also committed to service through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she remained a member for decades and supported her Sorors and line sisters through every season of life; she pledged Phi Chapter at Drake University and crossed on April 10, 1982 as part of the first all-collegiate line, proudly as #8 "Quiet Touch"; as an Omega Pearl, she was remembered for bringing people together throughout campus; she remained active in the Glen Ellyn Alumnae Chapter and was also a devoted member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was recognized as Physician of the Year at Jackson Park Hospital in 2010 for her outstanding service and care; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was affectionately known as "Joy-baby"; she found joy in hobbies that kept her curious and creative; she studied the piano and spent time renovating her home, taking pride in making it a space for celebrations and family, and she absolutely adored her dog Rello, who brought her constant companionship and love; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller set the standard for excellence, made a profound impact on her community, and carried herself with love and patience; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller was preceded in death by her parents; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Miller is survived by her husband, Andre; her daughter, Victoria; her brother and sisters, Linda Washington, John (Regina) Moore Jr., Cynthia (Elgin) Perkins, and Faye Wooten; her sister-in-law, Anita (Jerome) Miller-Carpenter; her in-laws, Erone and Dr. Queenella Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews; 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 Dr. Joyce Regina 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 Dr. Miller as an expression of our deepest sympathy.