Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0632

HR0632 LRB104 20387 LAW 33847 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Daviyae Keimar Shotwell, who passed away on January 9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell was born to LaTanya Denise Cobbins and Dwayne Shotwell in Chicago on March 21, 2008; he was christened at True Freedom Church, and he later attended New Life Covenant Church with his mother; he attended Les Finch Learning Tree and Holy Family School before continuing his academic journey at LaSalle Language Academy, where he studied French and graduated with honors; he then attended Noble Street College Prep High School, where he was a senior and eagerly looking forward to the many opportunities that lay ahead; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell lived with sickle cell disease but refused to allow the disease to define his ability to thrive; throughout his childhood, he remained actively involved in sports and extracurricular activities, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience; he played basketball from first through third grade, joined an inner-city education program in 2019, where he had the opportunity to learn and practice ice hockey for three years, and became a member of the Hillside Youth Bowling League in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell was exceptionally intelligent, becoming a champion chess player and developing a deep love for music; he found great joy in rapping, using it as another way to express his creativity and spirit; he also enjoyed constructing humorous sayings that were often quoted by others and cooking meals for his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell was affectionately known by many nicknames, including "Diggy", "Duke", "Mr. Smell Good", and "Brudda", to name a few; he was a devoted son, brother, nephew, and uncle and a true protector of children, possessing a special heart for those with differences, showing them patience, care, and genuine compassion; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Luster V. Davis and Derrek Bernard; his uncle, Erick Shotwell; and his special aunt, Cheresse Cobbins; and

WHEREAS, Daviyae Shotwell is survived by his parents; his siblings, Jahnaja "Kueen" Martin, SuJuan Shotwell, and Maurkel "Rick" Gills; his nephews and niece, Chanzelor Walker, Lavontae Harris, and Cali Harris; his grandmothers, Minnie Cobbins and Barbara Shotwell; his godfather, Jerome Davis; his godsister, Shamiah Hines; his best friends, Jaezeon Johnson and Antwon Lewis; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Daviyae Keimar Shotwell and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Daviyae Shotwell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.