HR0825 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0825 LRB104 21542 LAW 36948 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Deer, at the age of 54, and her son, Kaleb Deer, at the age of 23, both of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was born and raised in North Lawndale and lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and community uplift; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was a licensed speech-language pathologist who earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Jackson State University and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer held professional licensure in the State of Illinois and certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, dedicating her career to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals with speech and language disorders; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was also an entrepreneur, completing a business program at Joseph Business School and owning and operating a private speech pathology practice that expanded access to critical care and support services; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she gave generously of her time as a community volunteer and leader, including her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, her service on social justice initiatives, and her engagement with organizations such as Friends of Dennis Deer, the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, and Top Ladies of Distinction; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was also a creative and thoughtful voice, contributing to the publication Voices of Lawndale and sharing her passions for writing, natural hair care, language, and culture through her personal blog and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Kaleb Deer was regarded as a kind, grounded, and compassionate young man who shared a deep bond with his family and carried forward the values of service, care, and connection that were instilled in him; and

WHEREAS, The Deer family has long been known for its commitment to community service, advocacy, and public engagement, and this loss comes not long after the passing of family patriarch Dennis Deer, compounding the grief felt across the community; and

WHEREAS, The tragic loss of Barbara and Kaleb Deer has left an indelible mark on the City of Chicago, particularly on the West Side and in North Lawndale, where their presence, service, and love will be deeply missed; 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 Barbara Deer and Kaleb Deer and extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Barbara Deer and Kaleb Deer as an expression of our deepest sympathy.