MEMORIAL-DEMETRA R. BANKS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jehan Gordon-Booth

The bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and mourning the life and community contributions of Demetra Banks.

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth

Summary of HR 988 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

This is a memorial resolution recognizing and mourning the death of Demetra Rayvoir Banks, who passed away on June 25, 2026.

The resolution serves to honor her life, achievements, community service, and membership in various organizations, and to extend condolences to her family and friends.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal acknowledgment by the Illinois House of Representatives of Demetra Banks' passing.

A narrative detailing Banks’ life including:

Birth: January 17, 1959, in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Education: Early schooling in Texarkana; integration experience in Liberty-Eylau ISD; later attended Washington Junior High School (Chicago Heights) and Bloom High School (class of 1977).
Higher education and musical involvement: Attended Elmhurst University; participated in gospel choirs.
Career: More than 25 years with the United States Postal Service; retirement in February 2015.
Community involvement: Active in St. Paul Church (Greeters Committee, Women of Courage Ministries), Pink Sunday breast cancer awareness advocacy, Circle of Promise, and community support initiatives.
Personal life and interests: Known as "Happy Feet"; enjoyed travel and family trips; member of the New Birth Choral Ensemble in the 1970s and 1980s.
Sorority involvement: Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; continued leadership roles within Nu Pi Omega chapter in Peoria; contributed to scholarship and service; nominated for Soror of the Year on multiple occasions.

The resolution concludes with formal expressions of mourning, condolence, and a directive to present a copy of the resolution to Banks’ family.

Who/Societal Impact

Individuals and groups directly impacted:

Demetra Banks and her family, who receive formal recognition and condolences.
The broader Peoria and Illinois communities, particularly through acknowledgment of Banks’ service, church activities, charitable work, and sorority leadership.

No policy changes, appropriations, or regulatory amendments are made by this bill. It is a ceremonial, commemorative action intended to honor a resident and community leader.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: House Resolution (HR).

Sponsors: Primary sponsor is listed (with Co-sponsor Jehan Gordon-Booth).

Status: A formal memorial resolution introduced to recognize and mourn an individual's life and service.

Effective date: Ceremonial in nature; takes effect upon adoption by the Illinois House of Representatives.

Notable Details

The resolution provides a detailed biographical sketch, highlighting Banks’ education, career, faith-based and community involvement, and her role in promoting breast cancer awareness and sisterhood within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

No monetary allocations or legislative changes are included.

This bill is a ceremonial tribute designed to honor Demetra Banks' life and contributions to her family, church, sorority, and community.