Bill Text: IL SR0439 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-10-26 - Resolution Adopted [SR0439 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0439-Introduced.html

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SR0439 LRB103 33849 LAW 63664 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower, who passed
away on August 8, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was born in Gobler, Missouri on
August 1, 1956; he was raised in Alton, Illinois; he received
his bachelor's degree in business administration from Eureka
College; he spent time in Chicago and California, before
settling in Fayetteville, North Carolina; he participated in
several professional development programs; he was presented
with an honorary doctorate from Jacksonville Baptist
Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was a visionary and strategic
leader who seamlessly translated business strategies into
tangible successes; with an impeccable understanding of policy
and procedures within the mental health industry, he founded
Advance Behavioral Center, Inc. in 2008, where his leadership
ensured compliance, quality, and ethical practices; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was devoted to his faith,
becoming a minister in September 1991; he was ordained under
the guidance of Rev. John McKoy of Spring Lake Missionary
Baptist (MB) Church; he served as a deacon before becoming the

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esteemed pastor of New Salem International Ministries,
spearheading its growth and transformation into a
multimillion-dollar operation; from the inception of New Salem
MB Church, he nurtured it with care through successes and
challenges, adopting a five-fold plan of worship, study,
prayer, fasting, and community engagement; his ministry also
extended to helping the marginalized through offering
transitional housing for the homeless and a visionary
immigration program; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower served as the first presiding
bishop of the International Kingdom Covenant Churches and the
presiding bishop of the Trimm Global Network of Churches; he
was a lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was a doting husband and father,
and he shared with family his passion for coaching basketball,
western TV shows, and Doberman Pinschers; his role extended
beyond his immediate family, embracing the congregation he
led; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was a mental health advocate,
entrepreneur, and community leader; his legacy extends through
the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the faith he
lived; and

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WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was preceded in death by his
parents, Edward Hightower and Daisie Hightower Robinson; his
stepfather, Tom Robinson; his stepfather-in-law, Chauncey
Gilbert Jr.; and his father-in-law, Edward Ford; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Hightower was the husband of Lady April
Dawn Hightower; the father of Tiffany Hightower, Eric
Hightower, Emily Wright, James Wright IV, John Michael Wright,
and Ebony Dawn Hightower; the brother of Josephine Scruggs,
Edward (Barbara) Hightower, Calvin (Barbara) Hightower,
Clarence (Beverly) Hightower, Robert Hightower, Andy
(Charlotte) Hightower, and Joanne (Bobby) Hightower-Thomas;
the son-in-law of Caroline Gilbert; the in-law of Chauncey
(Michelle) Gilbert, Kim (Philander) Gilbert-Hughes, Kevin
(Charlece) Gilbert, Keith (Felicia) Gilbert, Denice (Phillip)
Sartor, and Evangelone (DaRon) Rackley; the grandfather of
Eric Hightower Jr., Emira Hightower, Kalynn Hightower, Cameron
Henry Williams, and Emani Hightower; and the uncle and cousin
of many; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower and extend our sincere condolences
to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be
it further

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RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Bishop Hightower as an expression
of our deepest sympathy.