SR0559 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0559 LRB096 16635 GRL 31911 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Annie Jo Gordon of Peoria, who passed away on December 20, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon was born on January 10, 1941, in Marion, Louisiana; her parents were George Lewis and Emma Lee (Williams) Hunter; she married Cleveland "Sonny" Gordon Sr. on November 22, 1969; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon received her associate's degree from Illinois Central College in business management; she also studied the business curriculum at Midstate College; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon had a long and distinguished career in community service, which spanned from 1961 to 2008; she was the first African-American employee to work at the Peoria Journal Star newspaper; she served with the National Corporation of Israel and served as secretary to the administrator of the American Red Cross Regional Blood Center; she rose through the ranks at the Peoria Tri-County Urban League, working various positions leading up to her role as director of employment; in 2006, she retired from the Peoria Tri-County Urban League after 41 years of service, but continued her service well into 2008; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon was a member of numerous community organizations; she was a past member and chairwoman of the Upgrade Board of Directors, the PCCEO, and the YWCA; she was a member of the American Cancer Society, the League of Women Voters, the District 150 School Board Advisory Committee, Easter Seals, and the Arts and Cultural Activities; she was also affiliated with the Heart of Illinois United Way Loaned Executive Program, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Leadership School, the ICC Adult Re-Entry Council, the Apprenticeship Advisory Group, and the Christian Education Board; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon was the recipient of numerous awards for her community service, including the Valeska S. Hinton Minority Advocacy Award, the Betty Osborn Award, the YWCA Leadership Award, and the Black Women's Network Award; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon was a faithful member of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess and member of the trustee board; and

WHEREAS, Annie Jo Gordon is survived by her husband, Cleveland Sr.; her sons, Joel Clayton Johnson Sr., Jonathan Lewis (Dedra) Johnson Sr., Jamal David (Rosie) Gordon, and Cleveland Lydell Gordon Jr.; her daughters, Shando (Don) Harris, Chantay (Corey) Gray, Antoinette Ramona (Cornelius) Donald, and Jehan Alea Gordon (Derrick Booth); her foster sons, Marcus Demario Williams and Michael Dewayne Williams; her 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and her many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Annie Jo Gordon; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Annie Jo Gordon as an expression of our sympathy.