SR0477 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0477 LRB102 19956 LAW 28735 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Brianna Hope Wood of Peoria, who passed away on August 23, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood was born in York, Pennsylvania to Jeff and Sandi Okrongley Cross on May 29, 1989; she lived in Pennsylvania for the first eight years of her life; her family then moved to Oxford, Mississippi before relocating to Peoria in 1999; she graduated from Dunlap High School in 2007 and earned her bachelor's degree in Education from St. Ambrose University in 2011; she married Ryan Wood in Peoria on December 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood taught third grade at Harrison School in Peoria, pursuing her life's passion to make a difference in underserved communities; she was devoted to her students, attending their games and performances and checking on them at home; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood loved performing in local community theater productions; whether she was the lead role or a dancer in the ensemble, her smile and energy owned the stage; she also loved crafting, making TikTok videos, and watching The Office; she enjoyed relaxing on the beach and spending time at amusement parks, where she would ride the most extreme roller coasters; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood was known for her unmatched capacity to love and her ability to feel every emotion exponentially; she was the first to hit the dance floor, the biggest smile in every photo, and the loudest laugh in the room; she loved her family and friends above all else; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood was preceded in death by her grandmother, Helen Cross; her uncle, Roger Cross; her father-in-law, Steve Wood; and her best friend, Alexa Sheeder; and

WHEREAS, Brianna Wood is survived by her parents; her husband; her sister, Jordan (Mitch) Ryan; her brother, Trevor Cross; her maternal grandparents, Nancy DenBesten and Walter (Ann Marie) Okrongley; her paternal grandfather, Wayne Cross; her mother-in-law, Edie Wood; her sister-in-law, Erin (Dillon) Kelly; her nephews, Cooper Ryan and Silas Miller; her nieces, Lily Miller and Charlotte Ryan; and her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members; 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 Brianna Hope Wood 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 Brianna Wood as an expression of our deepest sympathy.