SR0646 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0646 LRB103 32600 LAW 62215 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Alderperson Linda McNeely of the Rockford City Council, who passed away on April 24, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely was born to John and Juanita McNeely in Rockford on September 16, 1955; she graduated from Auburn High School in Rockford in 1973; she earned her associate's degree from Wilbur Wright Junior College, her Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Denver, and her Master of Arts in Business from Roosevelt University; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely was a self-employed tax preparer with Ameritax; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely worked in Chicago for nearly 20 years before returning to Rockford in 1995 to care for her aging parents, who were decades-long members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor union; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely served as alderperson, representing the 13th Ward, on the Rockford City Council for 26 years; during her tenure, she served on several subcommittees; she was regarded as both a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for the 13th Ward from 1997 until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely also served as a member of the Illinois Democrat State Central Committee Women; in 2022, she was a candidate for Illinois' District 17 in the U.S. House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely was a woman of strength, courage, and insight who remained dedicated to her family and her community; she will be remembered for her authenticity and candor; and

WHEREAS, Ald. McNeely was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Anna Marie Pickett and Marie Hudson; and her brother, Leon McNeely; and

WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Ald. McNeely was survived by her nephews, Andrew McNeely, Lamont Hudson, Pierre McNeely, Christopher Pickett, Hassan (Carla) Muhammad, and Lawrence (Stephanie) Pickett; her niece, Lophina Thompson; her great-nieces, Drewina, Jasmine, Kelli, and Asia; her great-nephew, Anjulion; and a host of other relatives 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 Alderperson Linda McNeely of the Rockford City Council 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 Ald. McNeely as an expression of our deepest sympathy.