SR1051 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1051 LRB103 41015 ECR 74140 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Pastor Wendell E. Day Sr., who passed away on May 18, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day was born to Robert E. Day Sr. and Patria Coe Day-Thomas on July 2, 1942; he was raised in Springfield; he served in the U.S. Navy for four years; he married Diane Galbreath; he attended Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University; he received his minister's license in 1974; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day worked as a supervisor and recruiter for R.C. Cola; he also worked at Southeast High School, where he improved student attendance through engagement strategies; he then served as an auditor at General Motors Acceptance Corporation before retiring in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day committed to his faith in 1967; he was ordained as a church elder in 1982; he established the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ on November 4, 1984, serving as its pastor until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day was district superintendent of the Illinois Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction for 20 years; he also served as an administrative assistant to the late Bishop Juan Morrison Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day was regarded as the patriarch of the Day family, and he loved organizing family reunions, Christmas celebrations, and birthday gatherings; he enjoyed fishing, track and field, and music; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day offered humor and kindness to everyone he met; he will be remembered for his legacy of unwavering love, the hearts he touched, and the friendships he formed; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Gloria Day Casey, Patrick Day, Dorothy Jones, Patricia Hughes, and Robert Day; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Day is survived by his wife, Diane Day; his sons, Wendell (Amy) Day Jr., Bryan (Sikiesha) Day, and Bradley Day; his daughter, Apryl Day; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his brothers, John Day, Louis Day, Harlan Day, and Fred Day; his sister, Norma Graham; and a host of 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 Pastor Wendell E. Day Sr. 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 Pastor Day as an expression of our deepest sympathy.