HR0393 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0393 LRB103 34122 ECR 63940 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Karen Antoinette Pepper, who passed away on August 15, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper was born to Doris Marie (Dixon) Austin and Theodore Roosevelt Austin in Chicago on March 11, 1949; she was raised primarily by her paternal grandmother, Luellen Dorch Adams, and stepgrandfather, James Adams; she graduated from Farragut High School in 1966; she married William R. Pepper in 1969, and they later divorced; she attended Rosary College and the University of Illinois Chicago's School of Nursing; she then received certification for interior design from Malcom X College in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper worked as an interior designer for Montgomery Ward and Sears before retiring from Plunkett Furniture; she designed interior furnishings and custom window treatments for some of Chicagoland's largest and most upscale homes; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper committed to her faith at an early age; she attended the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chicago, where she was a member of the choir and the Preservation Society, and she taught Afro-dance during the church's summer youth programs; she was involved in the Holy Family Parish Council for several decades, serving as president for a term; she later became a member of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, where she was a longtime member of the Sanctuary Choir; she shared her skills as a seamstress by altering choir robes and assisting with sewing in the Liturgical Ministry; she also taught and participated in Sunday school; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper loved food, games, puzzles, and caring for plants and flowers around her home; and

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper will be remembered as a nurturer, designer, seamstress, and friend; and

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

WHEREAS, Karen Pepper is survived by her children, Desirée (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; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 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.