HR1037 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1037 LRB099 20798 MST 45486 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Rev. George Marshall, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi to George, Sr. and Elizabeth "Barbara" Marshall on June 1, 1936; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall relocated to Illinois in 1956 and joined Gayles Memorial Baptist Church; in 1958, he was appointed as a Deacon; from 1963 to 1968, he served as Gayles Memorial Baptist Church went through transitions from the May Street location to the YMCA location, and finally to its current location on Gillette Avenue; during that time, he was appointed as the Sunday School Superintendent, serving for 18 years; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall continued his education by attending a 2-year study program at Waubonsee Community College; from 1972 to 1989, he was a student of biblical studies at the Chicago Baptist Institute, the Moody Bible Institute, and the Church and Family Institute in Bethany, Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall confessed his calling to the ministry on December 19, 1975; he gave his first sermon on January 3, 1976 and was ordained as a Minister on June 1, 1976; he was elected to be the Pastor of Gayles Memorial Baptist Church in June of 1981; under his leadership, the congregation grew and a new sanctuary was dedicated on May 20, 1984; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall dedicated many years to Gayles Memorial Baptist Church and the Aurora Community; he served as a Chaplain for the State of Illinois Department of Corrections and on the Board of Directors for "One Church for One Child" and "Habitat for Humanity"; he served as President for Minister's Alliance for 2 years and on the Board of Directors for the "Hessed House" for 3 years; under his guidance and leadership, many ministries and auxiliaries have been established; he worked with the Board of Trustees, the Youth Choir, the Children's Church, the Hospitality Committee, Nurse's Aide, the Male Chorus, the Women's Choir, the Performing Arts Ministry, and the Media Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elizabeth (Samuel, deceased) McGhee; his 3 brothers, Eddie (Theresa) Marshall, Roscoe (Rosie) Marshall, and Wesley (Albirda) Marshall; Lawson (Beatrice) Smith; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jasper and Marcella Price; and his son, Scottie Marshall; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Marshall is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; his 2 sons, James Marshall and Marc Marshall; his 6 daughters, Betty (King), Mildred (Alfred Turner), Sharon (Clark), Vanessa (Treves Williams), Julita (Jeff McGowan), and Phyllis (Eugene Brown); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; his special friend and mentor, Rev. Truman B. Hazelwood; his special friends, Deacon Arthur Harden and Min. Lillie Harden; and numerous church members and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Rev. George Marshall, Jr., and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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