SR1275 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1275 LRB103 43174 LAW 76437 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lori Jamae Wilcox, who passed away on October 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox was born on October 29, 1976; she was a combat veteran, enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and participating in missions worldwide, including Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia; she pursued advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Education, and earned certifications as a Master Municipal Clerk; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox was a trailblazer, making history as the first elected City Clerk of Chicago Heights, a position she served across three successful terms, ending in 2023; she was previously elected as committeeman of the Bloom Township Democrats in 2018, becoming the second woman and youngest person to hold the role, and she served as co-chair of the Cook County Democratic Party's Outreach Committee; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox was founder and CEO of Resilience Unveiled: Revive, Renew & Revamp (R34u), a collaborative initiative designed to support and uplift women in service; she was also an author and advocate, sharing her personal journey of healing and transformation through her books, Broken and Left for Dead and Secret Sauce to Wealth; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox was a dedicated member of Rotary International, contributing as a leader and an international liaison, by which she fostered connections across cultures through Friendship Exchanges; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox served as a mentor, guiding several women to become judges and helping many others succeed in politics and business; she supported veteran initiatives, cancer survivors, and community outreach programs, and she pursued mentoring and volunteering at local schools, churches, and nursing homes; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox was the devoted mother of three exceptional children, nurturing their academic and athletic success while embodying her belief in personal growth and education; and

WHEREAS, Lori Wilcox's life reflects her commitment to service, resilience, and empowering others, and her impact will continue to inspire the many lives she touched; 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 Lori Jamae Wilcox 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 Lori Wilcox as an expression of our esteem and respect.