SR1465 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1465 LRB098 22721 GRL 61658 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Val Johnson of Peoria, who passed away on September 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Val Johnson was born on January 6, 1917 in Chicago; his parents were James Garfield and Nellie (nee Currie) Johnson; he married Leah G. Thomas, who preceded him in death in 2001; he later married Sarah B. (nee Davis) McNeil on November 30, 2002; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Val Johnson served as Pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus from 1962 until his retirement in 2007; he also worked as a City of Peoria Plumbing Inspector until his retirement in 1989 after 25 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Val Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Raymond and Emanuel Johnson; and a sister, Rochella Manuel; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Val Johnson is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Johnson; 14 children; Byron Val (Anita) Johnson, Valerie Leah Harrell, Yvonne Alice Jordan, Yvette Alice Cummings, Felicia Helen Carreker, Earl "Baker" McNeil, Sidney McNeil, Wendell McNeil, Glenna Lee Branscumb, Joann (Michael) Kirksey, Clora Lee Johnson, Donna Bess McNeil, Sandra (De Wayne) Harris, and Janice McNeil; 34 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Bishop Val Johnson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bishop Val Johnson as an expression of our sympathy.