SR0253 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0253 LRB103 31753 LAW 60339 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Pickett, who passed away on March 24, 2023; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett was born to Johnny and Alberta Pickett in Meadville, Mississippi on June 20, 1953; he moved to Chicago with his family as a child; his formative education began in Chicago Public Schools, and he graduated from Chicago Vocational High School (CVS); he attended Illinois Medical Institute, where he earned his certification in EKG and phlebotomy; he married Annie Marie on December 30, 1973, and their union produced three daughters; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett held several positions while employed at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, known today as Rush University Medical Center, including phlebotomy technician, manager of the Infectious Diseases Department, and customer care coordinator in Client Services; he was a dedicated employee for 41 years, retiring in the spring of 2017; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett committed to his faith at a young age; he was a devoted member of Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, where he was known as "Uncle John" to many; he served as a Cub Scout troop leader, a special events coordinator, a Pastor Aide member, and a Radio Choir member for over 30 years; he faithfully served as a deacon and as an elder; he often assisted elderly members, offering to help to them in any way he could, often checking on them by phone, taking them to run errands, or picking up groceries they needed; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett was a hardworking family man, a faithful and devoted husband, and a fun-loving person who cherished his family; a doting grandfather, he was affectionately known as "Pa-Pa" to his grandchildren; he was an avid Bible reader and often quoted scripture; he loved listening to gospel music and singing; he often planned elaborate outings and enjoyed trying new restaurants; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett will be remembered for his exuberant presence, his thoughtful heart, and his witty, humorous, and sarcastic statements; his life was a testament to his love of his family and of service; and

WHEREAS, Although John Pickett was born into the Pickett family, he was further loved and supported by his godmother, the late Masora Shelley, and three families who loved him like he was their own, Mother Alice Thomas (the late Eddie), Darryl, Denise, Sherise, Matthew, Tawana, Randall, and Paulette, the late Deacon Hezekiah Brown and the late Mother Ida Brown, Vickie, Hezekiah Jr., Anthony, Kimberly, Michelle, and Curtis, and Mother Jean Yokley, Valerie, David, and William; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Johnny Pickett Jr., Dorothy Ersery, and Robert Middleton; and

WHEREAS, John Pickett is survived by his wife of 49 years, Annie Marie; his daughters, Shanese Marie, Antoinette Jameica, and LaNesha DaNette; his honorary son, Curtis; his grandchildren, Anisa Saneah, Ayana Saria, and Asiah Savon; his sister, Darcinni; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Morris; his brother-in-law, Steven (Donna) Motley; his nieces, Lynette (Aaron), Carolyn, Markieta (Lance), Latonya, Kenyatta (Ronald), Shanell, Cassandra, and Nicole; his nephews, Andre (Chalon), Steven Jr., Jermaine, and Lavon; his great-nieces, Deva, Kalyn, Kiera, Andrea, and Brooklyn; his great-nephews, Jeremiah, Ronald Jr., Cameron, Aaron Jr., Andrew, and Gavin; his special sons, James Buchanan, Charles Bradley, Oscar Seaton, Kenny Byrd, Nathan James, Edwin Poindexter Sr., Jonathan Cole, Vernon Cole, and Michael Edwards; his godsons, Duwan Morris and Greg Holmes Jr.; his bonus grandchildren, Ramsey, Kevin, Edwin Jr., and Marsalis; his special brothers, Greg (Shirley) Holmes Sr. and Willie Holmes; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends; and his former Rush University Medical Center coworkers and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Pickett and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Pickett as an expression of our deepest sympathy.