SR1157 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1157 LRB101 21316 LAW 71932 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Emily "Jean" Johnson of Peoria, who passed away on April 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson was born in Pekin to Victor Alfs and Alice (Boyer) Alfs on September 6, 1929; she was a lifelong resident of the greater Peoria area; she attended Woodruff High School, where she served as editor of the annual Talisman yearbook, and she graduated in 1948; she married Thomas L. "Tom" Johnson in April 1951, and he passed in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson was a homemaker during her children's school years, and she actively promoted learning experiences for grammar school-aged children; she co-founded and was a 10-year member of the Von Steuben Grade School Mothers' Club; through this organization, she arranged and chaperoned guided tours of Glen Oak Zoo and area fire stations; she also produced fashion shows for parents and children; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson became an executive secretary for the Peoria Public Schools (PPS), District #150, in 1969; she held key positions at the PPS administration building over the next 29 years; notably, she served as the executive secretary to Superintendent Harry Whitaker during the 1970s and 1980s; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson enjoyed gardening and joined the Peoria Garden Club in the 1990s; she served as secretary to the High Point Neighborhood Association after she moved there with her husband in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson was deeply committed to her faith; she became a member of the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church (FHUMC) in Peoria in the 1960s and remained an active member throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson was preceded in death by her parents; her older sister, Donna (Alfs) Berte; and her husband of nearly 63 years, Thomas L. Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Jean Johnson is survived by her children, Philip (Cathy) Johnson, Jual Ann "Julie" (Randy) Markillie, and Jeffrey Johnson; her granddaughters, Jessica (Brady) Sammis and Katrina (Nick) Craven; her grandsons, Benjamin and Bobby; her four great-granddaughters; and her two nieces, Jane Waldron and Janet Neale; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Emily "Jean" Johnson 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 Jean Johnson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.