HR0060 LRB104 09590 ECR 19653 r
1		HOUSE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3		Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bertha
4		Purnell, who passed away on January 18, 2025; and
5		WHEREAS, Bertha Purnell worked as a nurse; she was a
6		chapter coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
7		(CSSJ) and served on the boards of Nature 120 and the Community
8		Board of the Axon Housing Community; she poured her passion
9		into serving not only those closest to her but also the
10		unhoused, the incarcerated, and other marginalized
11		individuals; and
12		WHEREAS, Bertha Purnell was a tireless advocate for
13		reducing gun violence; after the shooting and murder of her
14		son Maurice, she founded an organization, Mothers OnA
15		Mission28, to provide resources and support to families
16		affected by gun violence; the organization has expanded, and
17		its mission has developed; the group works to empower at-risk
18		communities and transform lives through holistic initiatives
19		and remains deeply committed to creating lasting positive
20		change in the communities it serves; and
21		WHEREAS, Bertha Purnell was a caretaker, a leader, and a
22		source of light, joy, and strength; her compassion knew no

HR0060 - 2 - LRB104 09590 ECR 19653 r
1		boundaries, and her dedication to uplifting others left an
2		indelible mark on everyone she touched; and
3		WHEREAS, Bertha Purnell was a mother, a grandmother, a
4		sister, an aunt, and a friend to many; therefore, be it
5		RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
6		HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
7		we mourn the passing of Bertha Purnell and extend our sincere
8		condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved
9		her; and be it further
10		RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11		presented to the family of Bertha Purnell as an expression of
12		our deepest sympathy.