SR1269 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1269 LRB102 29198 MST 41144 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Bertha Louise "Bert" McArthur Paul, who passed away on September 29, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul was born in Chicago to William Henry and Virginia Mae McArthur on October 29, 1953; she was a lover of education, especially math and science, and as a child, her mother nurtured her gifts by purchasing her science experiment kits for Christmas; she attended Dusable High School, where she was a member of the Botanical Club; after graduating high school, she received her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Kennedy King Community College in May of 1977; she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1990, her Master of Science in Nursing in 1997, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2013 from Governors State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul was an exceptional nurse and never missed an opportunity to display love and compassion towards her patients, students, and community; she was an active member in several organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served as the chair and co-chair of the Physical & Mental Health Committee, the National Council of African Women, where she served as a Community Health Specialist, Advocate, and Educator, and the Chicago Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul committed to her faith at the age of nine and became a member of Covenant United Church of Christ in 1998, where she served as the chair and was a founding member of its Health & Wellness Ministry; she later became a co-chair; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul cherished her family; she believed in others, even when they did not believe in themselves; it was not uncommon for her to allow someone to live in her home for an extended period of time without expecting anything in return; she could always be counted on to show up for her family in a time of need, both financially and medically; she was an amazing mother and grandmother and worked tirelessly to provide for her children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Debra; her brother, Mark; her Godmother, Elouise; and her Godsister, Debra; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Paul is survived by her children, Nathaniel (Barbara) Paul and Tamara (Jason) Palmer; her grandchildren, Jaquela, Jasmen, Nate, Niel, Zoe, and Jason Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Kendall, Makari, and Kingston; her siblings, Sylvia, William, Caroline, David, Sharon, and Vincent; and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-love, relatives, friends, and co-workers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. Bertha Louise "Bert" McArthur Paul 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 Dr. Paul as an expression of our deepest sympathy.