MEMORIAL-ETHEL L. JESSE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve McClure

The bill memorializes and expresses condolences on the life and service of Ethel Lucille Jesse, honoring her as a longtime CNA and devoted community member.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR0605 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose

A memorial resolution recognizing and mourning the death of Ethel Lucille Jesse of Girard and Decatur, Illinois, who passed away on January 24, 2026.

The resolution expresses condolences on behalf of the Illinois Senate and memorializes her life and contributions.

Key Provisions and Content

Acknowledges Ethel Jesse’s life history, including:

Birth: April 9, 1937, in rural Carlinville, Illinois.
Parents: William Garrison and Nellie (Karrick) Garrison.
Marriage: Married Edward M. Jesse on April 20, 1957; spouse predeceased her (April 2, 2001).
Occupation: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Pleasant Hill Village in Girard for more than 28 years.
Personal interests and skills: Known as an excellent cook who enjoyed baking and candy making; notable recipes include vegetable soup, sloppy taters, Texas sheet cake, divinity, and buckeyes.
Family and social life: Described as fiercely devoted to family, enjoyed family gatherings, and known for tenacity and living life on her own terms.
Survivors: Children Debra (Don) Giger, Edward (Kim) Jesse, and Donna Maybury; grandchildren Todd (Rebekah) Giger, Samantha (Greg) Pelcak, Trevor (Erica) Giger, Trent (Kimi) Giger, Sarah Jesse, Brayden (Dakotah) Maybury; six great-grandchildren, four “bonus” great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren (one more expected); plus friends and acquaintances.
Acknowledges that she was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings.

Official action:

The Illinois Senate “mourns the passing” of Ethel Lucille Jesse.
The Senate extends sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew her.
A suitable copy of the resolution is to be presented to the family as an expression of deepest sympathy.

Who is Affected

Ethel Lucille Jesse’s family and friends are directly acknowledged.

The broader Illinois Senate and public officials are recipients of the expression of condolences and the memorial.

Procedural/Timeliness Aspects

This is a memorial resolution, not substantive legislation.

It is sponsored (Co-sponsor: Steve McClure) and proceeded through the Senate as a formal expression of mourning and tribute.

No fiscal implications, policy changes, or regulatory effects are associated with this resolution.

Impact

Provides a formal, ceremonial recognition of Ethel Jesse’s life and service as a long-time caregiver (CNA) and community member.

Serves as an official record of the Senate’s condolences and honors her memory for historical and commemorative purposes.