SR1586 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1586 LRB101 23270 ECR 74419 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Etta Lerene Coker-Martin, who passed away on December 8, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin was born to Mark and Mary Coker in Chicago on September 12, 1952; she graduated from Harrison High School in 1971 and then studied Human Services at Elmhurst College; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin spent many years at Service Master working in the payroll department; she then found a passion for serving others and started at Park-River Forest High School as a college and career counselor and then became a teaching assistant for special needs students; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin tutored for the Black Star Project and Answer Inc., provided mentorship for F.R.E.E. (Females Reaching for Educational Excellence), and became the volunteer and outreach coordinator for Housing Forward; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin was a valued member of Rock of Ages Baptist Church where she loved her fellowship with the Savvy Senior Ministry; she was also a proud member of the Bookends Book Club; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin loved reading, her family, and her faith; she had a vivacious smile and found great joy in helping others; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin was preceded in death by her father; her son, Justin Martin; and her lifelong special friend, Lynda Puckett; her mother soon joined her in passing; and

WHEREAS, Etta Coker-Martin is survived by her daughter, Ebony Martin; her brother, Marlon Coker; her grandchildren, Elani Williams and Elise Reese; her nieces, Candice Conley and Dominique Johnson; and her many cousins and 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 Etta Lerene Coker-Martin 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 Etta Coker-Martin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.