SR0746 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0746 LRB104 21670 RMO 37213 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Deer of Chicago, who passed away on April 14, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer, the daughter of Geraline and Carl Walton, was born on February 22, 1975; she committed to her faith at an early age at First Baptist Church and later became a member of Living Word Christian Center; she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Jackson State University and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was a licensed speech-language pathologist who helped clients find their voices and left an impact on many families; she expanded her role when she became chief executive officer of Metamorphosis Health LLC, where she championed holistic wellness and empowered others to pursue healthier, more balanced lives; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer served as executive director of Juneteenth Illinois, continuing the vision of community development and cultural celebration she shared with her late husband, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer gave generously of her time, always seeking to uplift and inspire others, and was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, a charter member of the Top Ladies of Distinction Chicago West Loop Chapter, and an active participant in numerous community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother above all, sharing 27 years of marriage with her beloved late husband and being a devoted mother to three children as well as a loving grandmother to one grandchild; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was a woman of strength, faith, and unwavering commitment to her family and community who led with grace and lived with purpose; her legacy will continue through the lives she touched, the community she strengthened, and the family she so dearly loved; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer was preceded in death by her father; her husband; and her son, Kaleb Deer; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Deer is survived by her mother; her children, Kanaan Deer and Trinity Deer; her twin sister, Carol Walton; her brother, Carl Walton Jr.; her sister, Betty Garner; her granddaughter, Kamora Deer; her pet, Reese; and a host of extended family, friends, and community members; 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 Barbara Deer 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 Barbara Deer as an expression of our deepest sympathy.