SR1725 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1725 LRB099 21327 MST 47109 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donnita Elaine Barton-Davenport of Springfield, who passed away on December 27, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Donnita Barton-Davenport was born in Springfield to Juanita and Rollin "Donnie" Barton on October 14, 1937; she graduated from Feitshans High School in 1955 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry from Dilliard University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1959; she became a Franciscan nun and took the name Sr. Martin De Porres; she left the nunhood and married Rudy Davenport in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Donnita Barton-Davenport earned her master's degree in health services administration at Sangamon State University in 1978; in 1980, she earned a second master's degree in public administration; she worked in the education system with the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Donnita Barton-Davenport dedicated much of her time to St. Agnes as Religion School Teacher Assistant; she volunteered for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, and Altrusa; and

WHEREAS, Donnita Barton-Davenport enjoyed collecting antique glass; she was a co-founding member of the Nu Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; she also was a co-founder of the Springfield African American History Museum and Foundation; she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Donnita Barton-Davenport is survived by her husband, Rudy; her daughter, Corcella Dulania Isaiah; her sister, Ronda Barton-McAllister; her brother, Rollin D. Barton; and her grandchildren, Azaliah, Rahab, and Jonah Isaiah-Davenport; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Donnita Elaine Barton-Davenport, 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 Donnita Barton-Davenport as an expression of our deepest sympathy.