SR1004 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1004 LRB103 40746 LAW 73567 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Karen Antoinette Pepper of Chicago, who passed away on August 15, 2023 at the age of 74; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper was born to Doris Marie (Dixon) Austin and Theodore Roosevelt Austin in Chicago on March 11, 1949; she was raised by her paternal grandmother, Luellen "Big Mama" Dorch Adams, and her step-grandfather, James "Pa-Pa" Adams; she graduated from Farragut High School in 1966, and she spoke highly of her classmates and participated in reunion events for many years thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper married William R. Pepper in 1969; once the union ended, they successfully co-parented four children who all built successful professional and personal lives for themselves; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper completed her postsecondary schooling at Rosary College and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Nursing; after developing a passion for interior design, she earned a certificate in interior design from Malcolm X College; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper's creative genius was on display throughout Chicagoland; she held interior decorating roles at Montgomery Wards and Sears before ultimately retiring from Plunkett Furniture; she was also a talented seamstress, and her portfolio included prom dresses, wedding gowns, and choir robes; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper adored her family and friends, sending them birthday group texts filled with pictures and emojis; she was also available and willing to provide advice and prayer for anyone in need, and this goodwill resulted in multiple nicknames, including "Aunt Karen", "Mina", and "Special K"; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper was a member of multiple faith communities throughout her lifetime; she raised her four children in the Holy Family Catholic Church on Chicago's near West Side, where she was a member of the choir and served as president of the Holy Family Parish Council; she found a second spiritual home at the Apostolic Church of God on Chicago's South Side, where she continued singing as a choir member and taught Sunday school; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper was known to prefer her food served "piping hot"; she also enjoyed gardening and games, pursuing the latter to keep her mind sharp; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Theodore "Butch" Austin and Diana Schmakel; and her godmother, Maryann Jones; and

WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Karen Pepper was survived by her children, Desiree (Kenneth) Pepper-Venzant, DeShona (Alexander) Robertson, Donovan (Heidi) Pepper, and Devin (Alicia) Pepper; her grandchildren, Maimuna, Tacuma, Dakota, Dillon, William, Madilyn (Madi), and Lukas (Luke); her stepsister, Dr. Loretta Brunious; her uncle, William "Bill" (Florence) Dixon; her cousin, Deborah L. Dixon; her sister-in-law, Dr. Judith Austin; and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-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 Karen Antoinette Pepper 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 Karen Pepper as an expression of our deepest sympathy.