SR0772 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0772 LRB103 39308 ECR 69462 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of David Michael Milliner, who passed away on January 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner was born to Rose Marie Von Liggett in Chicago on February 6, 1957; after his mother's passing, he was raised by his aunts, Christina Von Liggett and Aileen Von Liggett, and his grandmother, Maida Von Liggett; as a teenager, he worked as a copyboy and photo filer for the Chicago Defender; he graduated from Kenwood High School in 1975; he received his Bachelor of Arts in Magazine Journalism from Drake University in 1979, where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1977; he married Jondelle Jenkins, D.P.M. in 1989; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner founded and was CEO of DMMIWorld Communications for 35 years; his career involved marketing, including a memorable stint with Prince for two of the musician's world tours, and maintaining a close relationship with the Chicago Defender (the Defender); in the early 2000s, he and a group of investors acquired the Defender along with other publications, and he served as editor and publisher of the newspaper from January 2003 to March 2004; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner was instrumental in the revitalization of the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago, bringing television camera crews and then-rising-star Oprah Winfrey to the parade, which put the national spotlight back on the event; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church until its closing in 2021; he remained a passionate and tireless member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he was an active member of the Theta Mu Lambda Charitable Foundation; he was a staple of the Defender's Men and Women of Excellence events; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner was a strong proponent of podiatric medicine throughout his life; a proud Chicagoan and Southsider, he was a fan of both the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs; he enjoyed partaking in long chats with friends, watching and attending sports games, and viewing and listening to an assortment of films, shows, and music; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner was a proud husband and father who was known for his uncanny ability to understand anyone he met; he will be remembered as a beacon of determination, selflessness, and brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, David Milliner is survived by his wife of 34 years, Dr. Jondelle Jenkins; his daughter, Francesca Milliner; his son-in-law, Jayneal Jimenez; five siblings; two aunts; and many family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of David Michael Milliner 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 David Milliner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.