Bill Text: IL HR0528 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Marlene Lofton George Merchant.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-07-03 - Resolution Adopted [HR0528 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-HR0528-Introduced.html

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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

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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

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