SR1072 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1072 LRB098 20837 GRL 58145 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Glaudis Lawrence, III who passed away on March 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Glaudis Lawrence, III was born on February 2, 1955 in Chattanooga, Tennessee; his parents were Glaudis Lawrence, II and Mary B. Green; and

WHEREAS, While dating his future wife, Glaudis Lawrence, III went with her to an evening service at God's House of All Nations, which started his long relationship with God; he subsequently joined God's House of All Nation in Chicago, where he was a faithful and loyal member for many years and was a member of the church band; in 1978, Bishop Lawrence's father-in-law started the ministry of God's House of Brotherly Love Church, where he served for over 20 years in many capacities, including president and member of the choir, Sunday school teacher, and deacon; he was later ordained as a minister and worked side-by-side with Bishop Howard and Mother Joyce Abbey to spread the gospel and draw souls to the church; and

WHEREAS, After the passing of his father-in-law in December of 1997, Glaudis Lawrence, III founded a new church, which was renamed God's House of Brotherly Love Church 2; the church was opened for the first time on January 3, 1999 at its new location on 425 Bohland Avenue in Bellwood, which was also the home of Meca Elementary Christian School, which he co-founded and served as the Chief Financial Officer; and

WHEREAS, Glaudis Lawrence, III was a philanthropist and humanitarian; he served the community by providing many services, including classes on the biblical foundations of Christ, supporting Tabatha's Shelter for Women and Children with food and clothing, working with the Prison Ministry, supporting the Children's Hunger Fund and Toys for Tots and other local ministries, and various community initiatives; he sponsored weekly bible study programs and family men and women conferences each year; he also spent countless hours volunteering and coaching boys' basketball and the Pop Warner football in Maywood for many years; and

WHEREAS, Glaudis Lawrence, III was employed as a successful independent contractor; he was the founder and owner of G & G Builders; his craftsmanship lead him to become a foreman for many building and renovation projects in the Chicagoland and Suburban areas, such as the development project for God's House of Brotherly Love Church in Maywood and Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park; and

WHEREAS, Glaudis Lawrence, III was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Charles Green, Sr.; and his brother, Charles D. Green, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Glaudis Lawrence, III is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Pastor Pamela J. Lawrence; his children, Pastor Gaylena (Pastor Superbreed) White, Pastor Glennetta (Elder Ken) Crowder, Glaudis Lawrence, IV, and TaDarrius Douglas; his grandchildren, Jayden Lawrence-White, Judah Crowder, Glaudis Lawrence, V, Jaydah Lawrence, and Chase Lawrence; his sister, Minister LaRita (Elder Larry) Washington; his brothers, Michael (Valery) Lawrence, Sr. and Roderick (Angeleada) Green; his 5 grandchildren; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his God's House of Brotherly Love Church 2 and Meca Elementary Christian School family; and his many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Bishop Glaudis Lawrence, III; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Glaudis Lawrence, III as an expression of our sympathy.