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SR 782

MEMORIAL-OPAL D. RICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Adriane Johnson

A ceremonial memorial recognizing Opal D. Rice’s life, community service, faith leadership, and family impact.

Resolution Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 782

Summary of SR 782 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – Memorial for Opal D. Rice

Purpose

  • This Senate Resolution memorializes and expresses condolences for the life and passing of Opal Delores Rice, who died on April 20, 2026.
  • It publicly recognizes her service, community involvement, and impact on family, church, and civic organizations.

Key Provisions and Provisions Status

  • Declarative resolution honoring Opal Rice’s life and contributions.
  • Details her personal history, career, community service, faith-based leadership, and family.
  • The resolution does not create new laws, appropriations, or statutory changes; it is ceremonial in nature.
  • Filed May 7, 2026 and referred to the Resolutions Consent Calendar. Co-sponsored by all Senators and Adriane Johnson.

Biographical and Professional Highlights Included

  • Birth and family background: born June 28, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri; married twice (Thomas R. May and later Alphonso Rice).
  • Education and work history:
    • Attended Sawyer College of Business (1968).
    • Worked as a proof operator and bank teller (First Midwest Bank).
    • Served in the City of Waukegan Police Department (1978–1988) in roles including communications dispatcher, clerical tech II, and victim services advocate.
    • Retired from Commonwealth Edison as a senior customer service representative (2003).
    • Independent Avon representative starting in 2000, repeatedly recognized in Avon President’s Club.
  • Public service and leadership:
    • Waukegan Township Board Trustee (2017–2021).
    • Roles in political and community groups (secretary/treasurer for reelection campaigns; Senior Citizens Service Committee; founding member of the Distinguished Visionaries Committee; Thousand Dollar Club for Artis Yancey HBCU tours).
  • Faith and community involvement:
    • Active church member for over 35 years at Gideon Missionary Baptist Church; held multiple roles (clerk, choir member, Sunday School teacher, usher, president of Gideon Usher Ministry).
    • Finance Committee and Security Team member; vice-chair/secretary of Gideon Federal Credit Union.
    • Longtime usher leader with Twin City Usher League; leadership roles within Illinois umbrella organizations.
  • Personal interests and family:
    • Cherished family, travel, church service, Avon involvement, and popular TV programs.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The resolution affects:
    • The Illinois Senate, by memorializing Opal Rice and publicly recognizing her life and service.
    • Opal Rice’s family, friends, and affiliated organizations through an official expression of sympathy.
  • No individuals or state programs are financially obligated or activated by this resolution; it is ceremonial.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Date filed: May 7, 2026.
  • Action: Co-sponsor list updated to include all Senators; referred to the Resolutions Consent Calendar.
  • This resolution is a formal commemorative document and does not include legislative changes, funding, or regulatory provisions.

Notable Details

  • Co-sponsored by all Senators, with Adriane Johnson listed as a co-sponsor.
  • The text provides a comprehensive biographical sketch intended to honor Opal Rice’s life and community impact.

If you’d like, I can extract a concise one-paragraph summary or create a side-by-side comparison with other memorial resolutions for context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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