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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of Orlantha N. "Ninette" Williams, who
4passed away on September 30, 2023; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams was born to Orlando Smith and
6Anna Walker Williams on July 29, 1958; her childhood was
7marked by the resounding sound of her laughter, and she
8carried that radiant spirit with her throughout her life; she
9was a beloved student at the Catholic all-girls high school,
10Unity High School, Class of 1976, located on the south side of
11Chicago in the Chatham community; she was a shining example of
12the Unity High School spirit; it was during her time at Unity
13that she formed enduring friendships and was known as "Orrie";
14she left an indelible mark on her peers and teachers; her
15mother remarried Roosevelt Williams, who loved her and her
16mother deeply; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams excelled academically, setting
18a standard of excellence that inspired those around her; but
19it was not just her academic achievements that set her apart,
20it was her warm and caring personality that endeared her to
21everyone she met; and
 
22    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams touched the lives of many,

 

 

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1leaving a legacy of kindness, love, and joy; Christmas will
2never be the same at the Garden Mission on Canal Street in
3Chicago without her; she never wavered in wanting the women
4and children of the Mission to experience a beautiful and
5joyous Christmas, and she was always willing to make that
6happen for them no matter what it took; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams was a truly remarkable soul who
8touched the lives of countless people with her boundless love,
9infectious laughter, and unwavering positivity; she possessed
10a rare and extraordinary gift, an immense capacity to love and
11spread joy wherever she went; she truly understood the meaning
12of love and the importance of a smile; she had an infectious
13laugh that could light up even the darkest of days; her heart
14was always open, and her smile was ever-present; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams became a caregiver for many
16elderly, and she loved them and cared for them as if they were
17her own family; one of the most remarkable aspects of her life
18was her unwavering commitment to others; she had a heart that
19knew no bounds, always extending her love to those in need
20regardless of her circumstances; and
 
21    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams was preceded in death by her
22father, Roosevelt Williams; her birth father, Orlando; and her
23brother, Roosevelt Williams Jr.; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Orlantha Williams is survived by her niece,
2Miranda "Noodle"; her uncle, Joe; her cousins, Lisa and
3Marcena; and numerous other family members and friends;
4therefore, be it
 
5    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
6ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
7Orlantha N. "Ninette" Williams and extend our sincere
8condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved
9her; and be it further
 
10    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11presented to the family of Orlantha Williams as an expression
12of our deepest sympathy.