SR0344 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0344 LRB104 13498 LAW 25946 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Doris M. Lomax of Chicago, who passed away on March 19, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Doris M. Lomax was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 26, 1934; after losing her parents at a young age, she was raised by her great-aunt, Lettie Miller, who she visited often even after moving to Chicago; she attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where she was one of only five Black students at the time; she received a dual degree in art education from SAIC and the University of Chicago, and she earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax dedicated her life's work to serving the underserved of Chicago's South Side, beginning her professional career as a teacher and later working for the federal government; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax and her dear friend, Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman, founded an organization in 1974 that would become her legacy, the Human Resources Development Institute (HRDI), where they served as co-executive directors until 2004; through their organization, they filled a void in the social services available on Chicago's South Side to African Americans who were struggling with mental illness and addiction; in order to raise funds for the organization, they spearheaded the annual fundraising gala, HRDI Seeds of Africa; they were invited to open an HRDI branch in Mississippi by Congressman Bennie G. Thompson due to their success in Chicago, and they assisted Dr. Knight and the late president/CEO of HRDI, Terra Thomas, in developing the Mississippi location into a three-year residential program that served women struggling with drug addiction; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax was known as a prolific grant writer whose efforts contributed greatly to the growth of HRDI, and she bestowed her knowledge of grant writing techniques on staff; through HRDI, she also participated in many local and international conferences, and she especially enjoyed attending the Counseling and Treating People of Color Conference, an annual conference sponsored by HRDI; her organization and its mission continues to this day under the umbrella of Friend Health; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax was actively involved in the Governor's Council on Maternal and Fetal Medicine, and she served on her condominium board; she also authored many articles on mental health issues impacting communities of color; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax was a world traveler, a collector, and a creator of art; she loved relaxing at her cabin in Michigan, and she maintained a beloved tradition of hosting a Christmas holiday dinner for family and friends for decades; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax will be remembered for her dedication in serving the underserved and for living her life with an open and welcoming heart; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Frank Juzang; and

WHEREAS, Doris Lomax was the bonus mother of Deidre, Pamela, Steven, and Maurice; the bonus mother-in-law of Cliff and Rodney; the grandmother of four; the great-grandmother of six; the aunt of Debbie; and the friend of Dr. Paul Carryon, Dr. Ollie M. Knight, and many others; 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 Doris M. Lomax 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 Doris Lomax as an expression of our deepest sympathy.