SR0385 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0385 LRB101 12190 MST 59820 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Doloris Cotton-Gaines, who passed away on April 13, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines was born in Cairo on December 26, 1950; she attended elementary school and Sumner High School in Cairo, segregated schools which became an important focal point of the Civil Rights Movement; eventually, the schools were desegregated and she transferred to Cairo High School, where she graduated in 1969; this experience instilled a "fighting spirit" in her and a desire to assist others; she married Dr. Sam Gaines on June 14, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines became a licensed practical nurse and worked at St. Mary's Hospital; in 1976, she relocated to Springfield and began working at Memorial Hospital and Springfield Clinic; her experiences covered Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Oncology, Internal Medicine, and Nephrology; she also worked as a nurse supervisor on weekends at a local nursing care facility; she continued her education and obtained two degrees in science and biology; she became a registered nurse after graduating from Lincoln Land Community College School of Nursing in 1993; she continued working at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services for over ten years before retiring; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines enjoyed church and was involved in Sunday school, ushering, and Church Women United; she held the position of Superintendent of Sunday Schools; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines held membership in the former Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance and various other organizations; she was graceful, friendly, loving, kind and completely devoted to her family; many turned to her for advice and guidance; she will be remembered for her smile, laugh, and unforgettable eye rolls; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines was preceded in death by her grandmother, Alberta McGee; her father, John Thomas Crouch; her mother, Beatrice "Mrs. Bea" McDowan Cotton; her uncle and aunt, Willie and Mary Hudson; and her son, Terry Eugene Gaines; and

WHEREAS, Doloris Cotton-Gaines is survived by her husband, Sam; her children, Roberta L. Gaines, Michael (Shalanda) Gaines, Eulette M. Gaines, Samuel T. Gaines, and Samantha B.V. Gaines; and her grandchildren, Briana M. Gaines, Darius L. Ousley, Jalynn White, Alexa Carey, Amir Upshaw, and Mychael Gaines; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Doloris Cotton-Gaines 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 Doloris Cotton-Gaines as an expression of our deepest sympathy.