SR0108 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0108 LRB104 12070 LAW 22167 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lenora "Nancy" Abraham Eaddy; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy was born to Florence Mae Cain Abraham and Jimmie "Rooster" Abraham in Florence County, South Carolina on September 7, 1957; she was raised in the Claussen community and attended the public schools of Florence County, graduating from South Florence High School at the age of 16; during her youth, she was an avid softball player and a cherished member of her community team; she later married Emmit "Joe" Eaddy Jr. on February 5, 1977; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy worked in Florence School District 5 in South Carolina, where she focused on special needs students until her retirement in 1997; during her career, she was noted for her unwavering dedication to helping students, especially those facing challenges; she also served as a poll worker with the Florence County Election Commission for over 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy was deeply involved in civic and community organizations, including serving as worthy matron and treasurer of the Kingsburg Chapter #182 Order of the Eastern Star, Johnsonville, South Carolina, associate deputy of District 9, along with other roles within the district and local chapter, and treasurer of the Lady Double Dozen Social Club; she actively volunteered at the Pee Dee Center of Disability and Special Needs and was a devoted member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the National Council of Negro Women; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy committed to her faith at an early age, joining Salem United Methodist Church in Florence, South Carolina, where she was a choir member and also sang with the group, Charity, through which she met her husband; she later joined St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Johnsonville, South Carolina, where she served in numerous roles until her health declined, including the Inspirational Mass Choir, the Safronia Jessie Adlee (SJA) Women's Missionary Society, and the St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Outreach Food Ministry; she also served as an advisor to the St. Mark Young People's and Children's Division, a member of the Pulpit Aide Ministry, chairperson of the Stewardess Board, a member of the Steward Board, assistant finance secretary, co-chair of the Acolyte Ministry, and coordinator of the St. Mark Event; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy's life was a testament to love, faith, and service, and her legacy of kindness, dedication, and community spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, JaQuan Hicks; and her sister-in-law, Ophelia Eaddy Woodberry; and

WHEREAS, Lenora Eaddy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Emmit Eaddy Jr.; her daughter, Jotaka Latrice Eaddy; her stepson, Fitzgerald "JJ" Sumpter; her grandchildren, Shakira Hicks and Seven Zephania Sumpter; her honorary grandson, Moyer McCoy; her brothers, Alexander Abraham and Rev. Ebbie (Doris) Abraham; her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Ola Mae McFadden, Elois (Gerody Sr.) Boatwright, and Rayford Eaddy; her nephew and niece she had raised as her own, Lamont Abraham and Tamika (Sammy) Woodberry-McCormick; her special great-niece, Hailey Mae Abraham; her special great-grandniece, Paisley Woodberry; her nephews, Barry (Laura) McFadden, Rodney Boatwright, Cedric (Maretta) Abraham, and Randy Boatwright; her nieces, Tammy McFadden, Fredericka (Frank) Commedo, LaKeisha Eaddy, Sonya McFadden, and Natasha Abraham; her godmother, Susie "Boo" Abraham; her best friend and cousin, Katrina Ham; and her close friends, Helen Deas, Janet Alston, and Doris McWhite; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lenora "Nancy" Abraham Eaddy 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 Lenora Eaddy as an expression of our deepest sympathy.