SR0283 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0283 LRB104 13403 ECR 25749 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kelly Maria Nichols of Herrin, who passed away on January 2, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols was born in Renton, Washington on April 26, 1976; she completed massage therapy school in Chicago; she married Scott Anthony Palmer; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols worked with and fought for patients at Southern Illinois Healthcare, and she was also a supportive colleague at Casey's; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols was a tireless human rights advocate who demanded racial justice across the country, including in Chicago and Washington, D.C.; she also brought delight to many with her remarkable face painting skills at events throughout Southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols was passionate about music and singing; she loved attending concerts, nationally renowned plays, and supporting local theater productions; she also enjoyed being outdoors, especially when observing butterflies and wild turkeys; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols took great pride in helping raise and caring for her family members, and she will be remembered for her dedication to them; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anneda Frances Johnson and Anthony Raymond Johnson; her parents-in-law, Geraldine Palmer and John Palmer; and her feline companions, Nena, Shadow, and Piggy Piggy; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Nichols, at the time of her passing, was survived by her husband, Scott; her parents, Bobby Akira Nichols and Debbie Mariann Johnson; her grandmother, Mitsue Nichols; her siblings, Christina (Jackie) Guevara, Kimiko (Chase) Nichols-Houston, Monalisa Johnson, Angela (Shannon) O'Malley, Melissa (Jimmy) Palmer, Jennifer Palmer, and Tracy (Betsy) Garcia; her chosen siblings, Becca Spohnholz, James Redden, and Josh Rivera; 15 nieces and nephews; two great-nephews; her friends, Anjelique Curry and Kelly Curry; and her cats, Tabby, Squeakers, and Baby Boy; 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 Kelly Maria Nichols 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 Kelly Nichols as an expression of our deepest sympathy.