HR0694 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0694 LRB104 20959 LAW 34782 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Larken Sharon Akins of Chicago, who passed away on January 23, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins was born to Kenneth Ernest Akins Sr. and Debra J. (Walls) Akins in Chicago on December 31, 1979; she attended pre-K at Barton Elementary School, Kindergarten through third grade at Charles H. Wacker Elementary School, and fourth through eighth grade at St. Ethelreda School; she graduated from Maria Catholic High School, during which she volunteered as a candy striper at Holy Cross Hospital; she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Science from Illinois State University in 2002, where she worked as a resident assistant; she later earned a college diploma in 2017 and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins began her professional career as a compliance officer with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the United States Department of Labor in Missouri; she worked with the U.S. Department of Labor for 23 years until her passing; throughout her career, she was respected for her professionalism, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins was initiated into the Omicron Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Missouri on January 16, 2005; after returning to Chicago, she transferred her membership to the Chi Omega Omega Chapter, where she diligently served for many years; during her 21-year tenure with the sorority, she served on several committees, held many leadership positions, and participated in a wide range of service projects; her final act of service was her immense dedication to chartering the first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Ghana, West Africa, the Alpha Delta Psi Omega Chapter, on January 16, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins committed to her faith at an early age while attending Englewood United Methodist Church, and she often attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church South; her faith became a steady foundation, guiding her values, her service to others, and the way she lived with intention and grace; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins was dedicated to her family, who affectionately referred to her as "Lark Lark", "Lump", "Larky Pooh", and "Lark Bird"; she was also an avid traveler who enjoyed biking, hiking, and running, completing the Chicago Marathon in 2018 and 2019; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins will be remembered as a jewel with a radiant smile, a true Alpha Kappa Alpha woman whose life was marked by intention, purpose, and grace; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins was preceded in death by her father; her paternal grandparents, Benjamin Franklin Akins Sr. and Ernestine (Wallace) Akins; and her maternal grandfather, Lucious Walls; and

WHEREAS, Larken Akins is survived by her mother; her brothers, Kenneth Ernest Akins Jr. and Matthew Darius Akins; her nieces, Aziza A. Akins and Alina A. Akins; her fiancé, Curtis Roberts; her maternal grandmother, Ethella Walls; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, sorors, and friends; 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 Larken Sharon Akins 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 Larken Akins as an expression of our deepest sympathy.