HR1456 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1456 LRB096 24192 GRL 43635 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Brenda Parks-Johnson, who passed away on August 10, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson was born on March 23, 1968, in Chicago; her parents were John and Bessie Parks; she married Hampton Simmons, whom she affectionately called "Boo"; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson attended Langley Avenue Church of God and was baptized at an early age; she received high marks as a student and graduated with honors from Kenwood High School and received a scholarship to attend Northwestern University, where she was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; after 4 years of studying, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern; she subsequently worked as a social worker with Ada S. McKinley until she entered the University of Illinois College of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from medical school, Brenda Parks-Johnson served as a physician in the combined Family Practice and Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Oschner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana; during her tenure there, she earned many honors and awards and was board certified in Family Medicine, PALS, BLS, ACLS, and ACLS Instructor; as a medical student and resident, she went on medical missions to St. Lucia and Ghana, bringing her skills and expertise to those overseas without access to healthcare; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson began her medical career at the Circle Family Care Network in Chicago as a physician and co-director of the Maternal Child Health Program; she then served as a physician for Family Christian Health Center in Harvey for a short time before she became ill; she concurrently served as an on-call physician at the Resurrection Immediate Care Center in Elmwood Park and as a physician at PCC Wellness Center in Oak Park, where she provided high risk obstetrical services and comprehensive family practice care; she also performed deliveries and caesareans at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson was well-known by her patients as a "doctor's doctor" who became personally involved in their lives; she donated her own clothes and baby gear to her patients who needed them and answered pages from patients who insisted on her help even while on maternity leave for both of her pregnancies and during her illness; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson was an active member of her community; she participated in numerous outreach programs in the Austin community, most recently as a member of a panel discussion focused on the needs and disparities of women and communities of color hosted by the Westside Health Authority and the African American Leadership Council; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson is survived by her devoted husband, Hampton Simmons III; her daughters, Kara and Shayla; her father, John Parks Jr.; her brothers, Joel and Willie Curtis (Debbie); her brother-in-law and sister in-law, Dr. Allan and Denelia Dunlap; her father-in-law and mother in-law, Mr. Hampton and Mrs. Eindie Simmons, Jr.; her nephews, Justin, Austin, and Joseph Parks; her many aunts and uncles; her numerous godchildren; and her many wonderful friends; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Parks-Johnson will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as an inspirational, faithful, and compassionate wife, mother, friend, and doctor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Dr. Brenda Parks-Johnson; and be it further

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