SR1488 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1488 LRB101 23164 LAW 74302 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Billie "BJ" McCoy-Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Billie McCoy-Thomas served as a case manager for the Brother's Keeper Community Resource Center, where she worked under her father, Chief Apostle Dr. McCoy; while there, she addressed various disparities within the community, including homelessness, unemployment, food insecurity, and healthcare; she served as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; she served as a qualified mental health professional for the Aunt Martha's Community Counseling Center of Chicago; she worked as the creative director of a catering company; she also worked as a substitute teacher, an entrepreneur, and a cheer and life coach; and

WHEREAS, Billie McCoy-Thomas was deeply committed to her faith; she was known for her principles, her fairness, her humor, her compassion, and her empathy; she was a lifelong advocate in her community and was extremely dedicated to the youth in underserved areas; she was affectionately known as "Billie-Joe" and "BJ"; she will be remembered for being a mother, a friend, and a confidant to many; and

WHEREAS, Billie McCoy-Thomas is survived by her parents, Chief Apostle Dr. William and Pastor Emeritus Rose McCoy; her children, DaMoyne McCoy and Niomi Thomas; her seven siblings; and a host of relatives and closer friends; 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 Billie "BJ" McCoy-Thomas 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 Billie McCoy-Thomas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.