SR0607 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0607 LRB104 18553 ECR 31996 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Janis Arlene Sharpe, who passed away on January 8, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe was born in Chicago on April 11, 1936; she was raised on Chicago's Southside; she received multiple degrees and certifications, including master's degrees in Christian Education and Divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe served as an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and as senior pastor and director of the Sojourner Truth Learning Center, formerly known as St. Mark Day Care and After School Program, providing employment, care, and educational support to countless families in the community; she, along with her husband, co-founded what would become St. Mark AME Church on Chicago's West Side, and she continued to serve at Carey Tercentenary AME Church in her later years; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe held numerous leadership roles within the City of Chicago during both administrations of Mayor Richard M. Daley, including on the Chicago Board of Education and as a pension trustee; she also worked extensively in political advocacy, believing deeply that faith and justice must walk hand in hand; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe's work as a playwright, producer, and choir director produced original productions that filled sanctuaries and inspired people across Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe was a lifelong servant-leader whose faith, intellect, and courage shaped generations across Chicago and beyond; she was a revered pastor, educator, playwright, and civic leader who devoted more than six decades to ministry, community development, and public service; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe was preceded in death by her daughter, Paulette Elizabeth Ragland; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sharpe leaves behind a large and loving family, two congregations, and a vast, spiritual community; 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 Reverend Janis Arlene Sharpe 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 Rev. Sharpe as an expression of our deepest sympathy.