SR0287 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0287 LRB102 18377 LAW 26227 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bryant Martin of Springfield, who passed away on April 28, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin was born in Plantersville, Alabama to Nettie and Jessie Martin on September 10, 1924; he served in the U.S. Army during World War II; he worked alongside a traveling circus and visited major capital cities; as the circus came and went from Springfield, he stayed to build his home; he married Geneva Ruth Work, and they raised six children; he later married Bertha Burton, and they raised six children; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin was a trained welder, and he worked at Allis Chalmers/Fiat Allis and as a jack-of-all trades; he was known as the on-call, go-to repairman for various renovations with the church, the church family of Greater All Nations Tabernacle, and the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, For touching the lives of many, Bryant Martin was honored by the City of Springfield with a proclamation naming September 10, 2014 as Bryant "Junior" Martin Day; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin was deeply committed to his faith; while growing up, he attended churches in Plantersville, Marion, and Birmingham, Alabama; he was a member of Greater All Nations Tabernacle in Springfield, where he served as a deacon; he gained his physical and spiritual strength from his faith; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing dominos and cards, and spending time with his family; he constantly traveled to enjoy visits with family and friends; he was a champion in all things, and he even qualified and participated in the Senior Olympics; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin was affectionately known as "Junior Martin"; while he held several jobs throughout his life, he was best known for his role as a father and for the wisdom he imparted to all of his children; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin was preceded in death by his brother, Percy (Mattie) Martin; his sisters, Willie Bell (Calvin) Hill and Ella Mae (Jim) Morton; and his wives, Ruth Work Martin and Bertha Burton Martin; and

WHEREAS, Bryant Martin is survived by his children, John B. Martin, Connie Baldwin, Bry-Ann Wilks, Melton Guy Martin, Zenobia (Anthony) Rhone, Bryant Phillip Martin, Lawrence Martin, Geneva (Robert) Doss Smith, Charmain (Larry Kittrell) McCullum, Renee (Ben) Piphus, Leslie (Mark) Wilson, and Michael Martin; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; his great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bryant Martin 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 Bryant Martin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.