SR0500 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0500 LRB102 19982 LAW 28767 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jeffrey Ray "Jeff" Stephens of Jacksonville, who passed away on August 14, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens was born to Dr. Roger "Doc" and Betty Stephens on April 3, 1962; he married Sheila Ethell on June 23, 1984; he graduated from Eureka College in 1984; he later received his master's degree in Education from the University of Illinois in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens served students in the Bluffs, Westmer, and Triopia School Districts, where he taught a variety of subjects; over the years, he coached track, football, boys basketball, girls basketball, and softball; he also served as athletic director to the Triopia School District, where he greatly enjoyed organizing and hosting many athletic events and was known for his meticulous care of teams, coaches, and officials; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens served as superintendent for the Regional Office of Education #46; he concluded his career in education as assistant superintendent from ROE #1 in June 2018; he took delight in supporting the area superintendents in whatever way he could; following retirement, he continued his work for ROE #1 in the Jacksonville office; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens was deeply committed to his faith; he was affectionately known as "Datdaw" to his grandchildren; he was a kind soul and a generous man with a quiet demeanor who worked behind the scenes to help his family, friends, and many others; he always had an encouraging word and a helping hand; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens was preceded in death by his father; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Stephens is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sheila; his son, Nick (Hannah) Stephens; his daughter, Hannah (Eric) Martin; his mother, Betty Stephens; his sister, Rhonda (Rich) Dormire; his brother, Mark (Sarah) Stephens; his grandchildren, Emmons and soon-to-arrive Stephens and Lyla, Bennett, and Amelia Ray Martin; his nieces and nephew, Tonya McLaughlin, Jacob Brown, and Sophie Stephens; and his many other very special nieces and nephews; 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 Jeffrey Ray "Jeff" Stephens and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jeff Stephens as an expression of our deepest sympathy.