SR0037 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0037 LRB104 09896 LAW 19966 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leondo Lee Sudduth of Minnesota, who passed away on January 4, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth was born to LeeAnn Sudduth and William "Paul" Elliott in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 13, 1977; he graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis in 1995, where he served as senior class president and a member of the speech team; during high school, he participated and excelled in Academic Cultural Technological & Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), an NAACP-sponsored program that celebrates and encourages excellence among high school students nationwide, and he earned an award highlighting his exceptional talent and commitment to personal growth; he married Robbin Briscoe on August 8, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth was passionate about sports, serving as a football and basketball coach at Northeast Middle School in Minneapolis, where he mentored young athletes with dedication and care; he also worked as a special education assistant, guiding students academically and personally; while working at Northeast, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources from Concordia University, St. Paul in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth's professional journey reflected his love for people; he held impactful roles, including as a workforce development representative during the Great Recession; he treated clients with respect, warmth, and humor, forging meaningful relationships with staff and clients; he also served as a case manager, helping formerly incarcerated individuals find employment and rebuild their lives; he continued to lead and inspire at Hennepin County, where he served as manager of the New Employee Academy Program and was fondly referred to as "the face of Hennepin County"; later, he brought his passion for people into healthcare while working as a recruiter for Fairview Health Services, hiring nurses and support staff with care and attention; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth was a devoted husband and father, sharing countless moments with his daughter, Taylor, while bonding over sports, current events, and their love of Godfather's Pizza; he was affectionately known by many nicknames, including "Londo", "Ivan", "Man", "Henry", "Big Dough", "Doe", "the Favorite", and "the Golden Boy", and for his humor, kindness, and infectious personality; he will be remembered for his leadership, unmatched listening skills, and ability to make people feel valued; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chloe Doty, Joe Sudduth, Ethel Elliott, and Pontiac Elliott; and

WHEREAS, Leondo Sudduth is survived by his wife, Robbin; his daughter, Taylor Sudduth; his mother, LeeAnn Sudduth; his fathers, William "Paul" Elliott and Dee Loyd Sr.; his father-in-law, Robert Briscoe; his brothers, Dee Loyd Jr., Julius Barker, and Robert N. Briscoe; his sisters, Cchles Sudduth-Harris and Bianca Moore; his nephews, Kameron Briscoe and Vinnie Moore; his nieces, Desiree Loyd, Kaira Kenzy, and Khaica Berkely; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones; 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 Leondo Lee Sudduth 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 Leondo Sudduth as an expression of our deepest sympathy.