Bill
SR 379
Ceremonial resolutions recognize Valarie Wilson for public service in education and mourn Gary Wayne Thomas, with no legal or financial effects.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 7, 2025
Classification: Resolution (memorial/commendation)
Note on source material
- The materials provided appear to combine two separate commemorative Senate resolutions both labeled “SR 379” from different states. One text is a Georgia Senate Resolution honoring Mrs. Valarie Wilson; the other is an Illinois Senate Resolution mourning the death of Gary Wayne Thomas. The summary below treats them separately and notes procedural dates as provided; where dates/actions conflict or appear to apply to different texts, that is noted.
Purpose and intent
- To recognize and commend Mrs. Valarie Wilson for her public service and leadership, particularly in education governance and community service in Georgia.
Key provisions / content
- Commends Mrs. Wilson’s service on the Board of City Schools of Decatur (2002–2011), noting leadership through the financial recession and role in establishing the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center.
- Notes her service with the Georgia School Boards Association (joined 2009) and her term as GSBA president (2012–2013), and credits her with involvement in creating the Georgia Vision Project — an educational framework incorporating input from board members, superintendents, teachers, higher-education partners, elected officials, parents, and students.
- Lists additional public roles: Executive Director of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Director of the Fulton County Human Services Department, Director of Fulton County’s Office of Aging, and membership on Governor Deal’s Education Advisory Board.
- Praises qualities such as integrity, leadership, diplomacy, and commitment to public service.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to Mrs. Valarie Wilson.
Who is affected
- Primarily honorary: Mrs. Valarie Wilson, her family, colleagues, the Georgia School Boards Association, the Decatur school district, and the public record recognizing her service.
Impact
- Ceremonial and symbolic — no legal or financial effects. Recognizes and records Mrs. Wilson’s contributions in the Senate journal and provides an official copy to the honoree.
Purpose and intent
- To mourn the passing of Gary Wayne Thomas (b. June 27, 1946 — d. June 17, 2025) and to extend condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Key provisions / content
- Recites biographical details: born in Peoria; graduated Limestone Community High School (1964); married Alberta Lynn “Mandy” Homan (March 30, 1968).
- Summarizes career and civic involvement: worked as a power plant operator for CILCO and was affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers; served in local township roles and with the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department; later involved in developing the Whitetail Ridge Estates subdivision in Bartonville; engaged in commercial and recreational fishing and hunting.
- Notes survivors: wife Alberta (married 57 years), daughter Teresa Lynn (Thomas) Donley, and grandson Patrick Ryan Donley; mentions precedents in death (parents and hunting companions).
- Resolves that the Illinois Senate mourns his passing and directs a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.
Who is affected
- The Thomas family and his local community in Bartonville/Peoria; ceremonial recognition in the Illinois Senate’s records.
Impact
- Ceremonial condolence resolution — no statutory, financial, or regulatory impact.
SR 379, as provided, consists of ceremonial Senate resolutions: one honoring Georgia education and civic leader Valarie Wilson for longstanding public service, and another mourning Illinois resident Gary Wayne Thomas and extending condolences to his family. Both resolutions are honorific statements entered into the legislative record and carry no legal or fiscal effects.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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