MEMORIAL-DEBRA THOMPSON

Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0585

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Full Text of HR0585

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HR0585 - 104th General Assembly

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HR0585
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

2

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Debra
4
Thompson, a beloved community activist, organizer, mentor,
5
volunteer, and true pillar of the Greater Englewood community
6
of Chicago, whose life of service leaves an enduring legacy of
7
leadership, compassion, and neighborhood empowerment; and

8

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was born and raised in the Greater
9
Englewood community, residing on the same block since the age
10
of one in a beautiful greystone flat that symbolized her deep
11
roots, lifelong stability, and unwavering commitment to the
12
people and place she proudly called home; and

13

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was a devoted mother to her son,
14
Daniel, and a loving grandmother to her granddaughter,
15
Anilyah, and her family was the heart of her purpose,
16
grounding her work in love, pride, and generational strength;
17
and

18

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson dedicated over 30 years of
19
professional service to MCI/Verizon, retiring as a senior
20
maintenance technician, specializing in Nortel Digital
21
Multiplex System equipment, an accomplishment that reflected
22
her technical excellence, perseverance, and trailblazing role

HR0585
- 2 -
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1
as a woman in a highly skilled field; and

2

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's commitment to public service
3
extended far beyond her professional career, as she devoted
4
countless hours to community advocacy and volunteerism,
5
including faithful service as a volunteer with the Office of
6
State Representative Sonya M. Harper, where she offered her
7
time, insight, and steadfast dedication to serving the
8
residents of the 6th District; and

9

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was widely regarded as a role
10
model, mentor, and trusted guide to young activists, community
11
organizers, and emerging political leaders, generously sharing
12
her lived experience, institutional knowledge, and unwavering
13
encouragement with those seeking to serve with integrity and
14
purpose; and

15

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson believed deeply in
16
intergenerational leadership and intentionally creating space
17
for younger voices to be heard, nurtured, and empowered; and

18

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson, through her mentorship and
19
everyday presence, helped shape and strengthen local
20
leadership pipelines in Greater Englewood, leaving a lasting
21
imprint on individuals who continue to serve as advocates,
22
organizers, and public servants; and

HR0585
- 3 -
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as president of the 65th &
2
Peoria Street Block Club, an organization originally formed by
3
her parents and fellow property owners in the 1960s, and as a
4
second-generation leader, she resurrected and revitalized the
5
block club in 2002, ensuring its continued strength and
6
relevance; and

7

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson led numerous neighborhood
8
projects, addressing abandoned buildings, health and wellness
9
initiatives, senior safety, and access to community resources,
10
always centering dignity, safety, and collective
11
responsibility; and

12

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was actively involved in a wide
13
range of community initiatives, including the Midnight Circus
14
fundraiser for Ogden Park, summer youth programming,
15
back-to-school block parties, book donation drives, and other
16
efforts designed to uplift children, families, and seniors
17
throughout Greater Englewood; and

18

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as president of the
19
Southwest Federation of Greater Englewood Block Clubs,
20
organizing workshops on landlord-tenant rights, home buying
21
and repair, estate planning, and building sustainable block
22
clubs, thereby strengthening civic participation and resident

HR0585
- 4 -
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1
leadership across neighborhoods; and

2

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was a fierce and compassionate
3
advocate for seniors, consistently elevating the voices,
4
dignity, and needs of older adults and recognizing seniors as
5
the backbone, historians, and stabilizers of the Greater
6
Englewood community; and

7

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson served as chairperson of the
8
Age-Friendly Englewood Village, a City of Chicago initiative
9
focused on helping seniors and people with disabilities age
10
safely and with dignity in their homes and community,
11
spearheading efforts around housing stability, accessibility,
12
transportation, health, and social connection; and

13

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson further demonstrated visionary
14
leadership as chairperson of the Age-Friendly Dementia
15
Englewood Village, courageously addressing the growing
16
challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their
17
caregivers through education, advocacy, and community-based
18
support; and

19

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson, as Founder of the See Me
20
organization, developed in collaboration with Chicago Cares,
21
created Cafe 65', a senior-centered activity and information
22
program that reduced isolation, fostered connection, and

HR0585
- 5 -
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1
expanded access to critical resources for older residents; and

2

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's commitment to lifelong learning
3
was reflected in her educational achievements, which included
4
graduation from St. Thomas the Apostle High School in 1973,
5
earning an Associate of Arts in Teaching-Elementary from Loop
6
College (now Harold Washington College) in 1977, and obtaining
7
an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics from
8
Olive-Harvey College in 1981; and

9

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson's extraordinary service was
10
recognized through numerous honors and awards, including the
11
Whole Cities Healthy Eating Award for the Greater Englewood
12
Community Bucket Garden, the Herstory Award during Women's
13
History Month, the Senior on the Move Award, and multiple
14
appreciation awards for community contributions; and

15

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was further honored with the 2018
16
Senior of the Year Award and Distinguished Service Award from
17
the 20th Ward Alderman, recognized by the 7th District Chicago
18
Police Department CAPS Unit, and received the Sister Thea
19
Bowman Humanitarian Award, Sister of a Struggle: Women of
20
Change Award, Ladies of Excellence Award for Women Who Live on
21
Purpose and the Floyd McGee Community Hero Award from the Rush
22
Alzheimer's Disease Center; and

HR0585
- 6 -
LRB104 16926 MST 30340 r
1

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson was recognized by the Cradle to
2
Success Coalition for her unwavering support and dedication to
3
community uplift; and

4

WHEREAS, Debra Thompson embodied the very best of civic
5
leadership rooted in service, guided by love for community,
6
and committed to lifting others, ensuring that neighbors,
7
seniors, and future leaders alike were seen, heard, and
8
supported; therefore, be it

9

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
10
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
11
we mourn the passing of Debra Thompson and extend our sincere
12
condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved
13
her; and be it further

14

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
15
presented to the family of Debra Thompson as a symbol of our
16
deepest sympathy.

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