SR0361 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0361 LRB103 32779 MST 62583 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Debra Ann Helton of Carrollton, who passed away on May 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton was born to Charles and Georgia (Khlantzos) Camerer in Carrollton on January 30, 1966; she graduated from Carrollton High School in 1984; she received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1987 and her Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Southern Illinois University in 1988; she received her Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield; she married Charles Helton III in Carrollton on October 17, 1987; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton worked as a speech language pathologist since 1988, serving many hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, schools, home health agencies, and special education facilities throughout many counties and states; since 1989, she was a certified member of the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association and the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she served as director for legislative affairs; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton served as past president for the Carrollton Community Unit School District #1; at the time of her passing, she was the assistant cross country coach for Carlinville High School; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton was a nominee for Illinois State Representative for the 97th District; she enjoyed taking trips to the Capitol in Springfield with her mentor, Joyce Morrison, where they lobbied legislators in favor of Christian conservative issues with their group, Ladies of Love; she served as Republican precinct committeewoman for Linder Township; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Carrollton; she lived a life of excellence, and she supported her family in all of their endeavors and was the driving force behind their success; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton was preceded in death by her father, Charles Camerer, and her stepfather, Moe Garner; and

WHEREAS, Debra Helton is survived by her husband, Charles; her mother, Georgia Garner; her daughter, Charlene Helton; her son, Charles Helton IV; her sister, Susan (Mike) Robinson; and her cousins and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Debra Ann Helton 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 Debra Helton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.