SR0430 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0430 LRB104 15488 LAW 28648 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Beauty R. Kirk, who passed away on August 29, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk was born on February 6, 1953; she received an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Harper College in Palatine and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Sales & Marketing concentration from DeVry University in Chicago in December 2013; she then attended Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, where she earned a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) with a Non-Profit concentration in December 2015, a graduate certificate in wireless communications in February 2017, a Master's in Information Systems Management (MISM) in April 2018, and a graduate certificate in information security in October 2018; she next studied through Northcentral University of Phoenix, Arizona, where she obtained an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in February 2021 and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Business Specialist (CAGSBUSD) in May 2023; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk played an integral part of the growth and development of Employee Connections' programs and services that were offered to the youth and young adults throughout Lake County; she initially joined as a contractor/consultant in 2015, providing GED and case management wraparound services for the Community Youth Employment Program (CYEP) of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for six years; she became a permanent member of the team in 2021, serving as senior case manager and GED instructor; in her role as senior case manager, she provided case management and wraparound services to hundreds of youth and young adults; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk also established Employee Connections' GED Academy in 2022, working with the youth and adults in providing online and in-person GED classes through Essential Education; under her instruction, several individuals achieved their GEDs and were able to pursue post-secondary education and lead successful careers; she was noted by colleagues for her unwavering commitment to helping the youth and young adults in her community, whether it was in assisting them to achieve their GED and higher education goals or through providing food, clothing, shelter, counseling, or other needed resources; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk received an honorary doctorate for outstanding work and labor throughout her community and the nation from Ambassador and Apostle Dr. Venard Johnson in Kansas City, Kansas on July 21, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk, affectionately known by colleagues as "Ms. Beauty", was a light of joy and inspiration; she will be remembered for her humor, laughter, and big heart; and

WHEREAS, Beauty Kirk was the mother of Ramon Boatwright, David Jones, A'lea Nelson, and Royalty Nelson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Beauty R. Kirk 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 Beauty Kirk as an expression of our deepest sympathy.