HR0528 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0528 LRB100 13339 MST 27922 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Marlene Lofton George Merchant, who passed away on June 26, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant was born to Theodore and Eliza Lofton on February 11, 1935; she received her formal education in the East St. Louis School District; she married Odie F. George Sr. in 1952 and they had eight children; later, she married R. B. "Bernard" Merchant; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant loved helping people, which led her to go back to school to get her certificate as a nursing assistant; she remained employed in the medical field for her entire career until retirement; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant was a former member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church; later, she became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Joliet; she was also a member of the Eastern Star; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant was loved by all who knew her and she helped anyone who needed it; she was affectionately known as "Mama George"; she loved children and was often accompanied by grandchildren whom she helped to care for while their parents worked; she loved to travel and kept a bag packed for an invitation to visit family and friends throughout the country; she was a very strong woman, committed to her church/civic groups, and loved to cook for anyone that was hungry; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; four brothers; the father of her children; her second husband, Bernard; her son, Eugene; her daughters, Brenda (Charles, deceased) and Felicia (Curtis); her grandson, Yamar Sr.; and her granddaughter, Shaniece; and

WHEREAS, Marlene Merchant is survived by her sisters, Alice Burnette and Geraldine (Roosevelt) Dixon; her children, Marcia (Mack) Williams, Maxine (Ricky) Williams, Greta (Charles) Burns, Odie (Christine) George Jr., and Freda (Van) Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Johnnie, Bunny, and Lou Bertha; 21 grandchildren, including State Representative Carol Ammons; 45 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marlene Lofton George Merchant, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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