HR0483 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0483 LRB104 15571 LAW 28737 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Yolanda Ngini Orange-Berry, who passed away on September 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry was born to Guy Orange Jr. and Mabel Orange on November 17, 1976; in her youth, she was a member of The Soul Children of Chicago, through which she and her voice ministered to others; she attended Mark Sheridan Math & Science Academy in Chicago, and she later became a member of the National Honor Society; she graduated from Lindblom Technical High School in 1994; she attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for two years; during this time, she welcomed her daughter, Donnisha Lanaee'; she continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1999; she later obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in 2006; she married Deon Berry Sr. on September 6, 2008, and they had one son, Deon Berry Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry, throughout her career, served as a caseworker with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Teen Parenting Service Network (TSPN), Ada S. McKinley Services, and her own private practice, Learning the Unknown; she also operated a Generational Anointed apparel business and served as a board member of Reclaiming Mind Therapy & Wellness and TEDx Talks, where she worked tirelessly to provide guidance, hope, and stability to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry was an advocate who spoke on mental illness and her experience as a mother of an autistic child; she led a weekly Facebook live event, YOB Lunch… All Things Mental Health, covering mental health and suicide prevention; she further dedicated herself as a mental crisis case manager, licensed professional counselor (LPC), at the ER department of Endeavor Health; as a LPC, she specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, and crisis intervention services; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry further served her community as a mentor, advocate, and trusted guide, assisting the youth and families through educational advocacy, health prevention, training and development programs, and leading groups focused on sportsmanship and psychoeducation; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry was committed to her faith and worshipped with many congregations, including First Steadfast Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Alpha & Omega Church of Jesus in Champaign, Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, and her current church, Powerhouse in Posen; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry, known affectionately as "Yogi", was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, counselor, and friend who loved singing, crafting, sewing, attending concerts, mentoring others, and making memories with family and friends; she will be remembered as a woman of faith, strength, and unconditional love; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry was preceded in death by her father; her grandmothers, Elouise Nethery and Mildred Orange; and her grandfather, Guy Orange Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Yolanda Orange-Berry is survived by her husband, Deon Berry Sr.; her children, Donnisha (Darnell) Thorns and Deon Berry Jr.; her bonus daughter, Delyssa Berry; her mother; her sister, Christel Orange; and a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Yolanda Ngini Orange-Berry 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 Yolanda Orange-Berry as an expression of our deepest sympathy.