SR0736 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0736 LRB104 21475 RMO 36705 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Sandra Jean Booker, who passed away on August 13, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker, the daughter of Judge A. Booker and the late Wynona (Bea) Williams-Booker, was born in Coatopa, Alabama on August 19, 1960; she committed to her faith at an early age, joining First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in 1970; she graduated from the North Chicago school system in 1979, completed the basic nurse assistant training program at the College of Lake County, and became a licensed certified nursing assistant (CNA) in October 1983; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker began her career as a CNA at Winchester House in 1983 and then transitioned to the Chicago Medical School, now Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine, as a medical assistant; she later served at the Lake County Health Department from 1991 to 2013 in a variety of roles, including home health nursing assistant, community health associate, and senior public health assistant, forming lasting and impactful relationships by working with teen mothers in Stepping Together and with seniors in Home Health; she then worked as a home-based specialist, respite care provider, and self-employed caregiver; in addition to her public health career, she served the Genesee Theatre for more than 20 years and was honored with a seat bearing her name; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker volunteered as a Lake County Adult Probation Officer for over 20 years; she also dedicated time to My Father's Business Organization, mentoring young teenagers and teaching them essential life skills; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker loved to dance and spend time with her family, including her children, Natisha Booker and Samuel D.A. Gray; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker will be remembered for her vibrant personality, ability to bring people together, and genuine investment in the success of others; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Booker's work of serving youth, teen mothers, and senior citizens is continued by the Sandra J. Booker Foundation in Libertyville, which provides financial assistance and strategic programming to uplift and empower these populations in the Lake County community; and

WHEREAS, The Sandra J. Booker Foundation has demonstrated meaningful community impact since its founding by providing financial support to Waukegan Township's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, awarding financial assistance to students attending the College of Lake County certified nursing assistant program, partnering with Girls and Boys of Character to sponsor an educational experience tour of Washington, D.C., providing monthly food support to My Father's Business Organization for an after-school program focused on spiritual growth and essential educational and life skills, partnering with Co-Pastor Cory Ratliff of Sign of the Dove Church to sponsor students attending a summer sports and academic camp, and providing financial support to senior citizens for grocery and essential needs; 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 Sandra Jean Booker 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 Sandra Booker as an expression of our deepest sympathy.