SR0124 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0124 LRB097 11204 GRL 52955 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Carl Lee White, Sr., who passed away on February 15, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Carl Lee White, Sr. was born in Altheimer, Arkansas, on January 26, 1932; his parents were Murphy White and Mamie Harris; he married his loving wife, Blanchie, on January 16, 1951; and

WHEREAS, Carl Lee White, Sr. was raised in Arkansas and received his education from Logabayou School; as a young man, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at Logabayou Missionary Baptist Church; as a child, he put aside his education and began to work in order to provide for his family; he picked cotton and worked in the oil fields pumping oil for cars; after many years, he eventually completed his education and graduated high school; and

WHEREAS, In 1952, Carl Lee White, Sr. moved his family to Texas, where they continued to reside for several years; in 1957, the White family relocated to Chicago, where they united with the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church (now Joshua Missionary Baptist Church); he was subsequently baptized and ordained as a Deacon of Joshua MB Church; in April of 1964, he accepted the call to preach the gospel; in just a few months, Deacon White was elevated to the position of Pastor; in June of 1964, Pastor White and the Joshua MB Church moved to their new location at 3316 West Roosevelt Road; under Pastor White's leadership, the church's membership grew in numbers, requiring a move to the church's current location at 3255 West Carroll Avenue; and

WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Pastor White, Joshua Missionary Baptist Church became well known for its outstanding choir and for the dynamically preached words that went forth; Pastor White's love for the choir and gospel music caused him to form a musical group called The Jubilaires; he furthered his education through the Chicago Baptist Institute and Moody Bible College; he also mentored many deacons, preachers, and sons in the ministry; and

WHEREAS, Pastor White was affiliated with the Sunlight District and the National Baptist Convention; he marched in Gage Park in Chicago with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in furtherance of civil rights; in 1966, he was instrumental in the implementation of Black History Month Celebrations at Harrison High School in Chicago; he worked with various companies and developed several trades; he was also influential in providing assistance to the homeless, feeding the sick and senior citizens, and establishing youth and job training programs and counseling services; and

WHEREAS, Carl Lee White, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Willie and Monroe; his sister, Dorothy White Newton; and his son, Kenneth White; and

WHEREAS, Carl Lee White, Sr. is survived by his sons, Apostle Carl Lee White Jr. (Pamela), James White (Carol), Timothy White, and Lauren White; his daughters, Annette Northington (Pearlie), Pharistener Cash, Vicky White, and Charlotte White; his brother, Murphy White Jr.; his sister, Maydine Davis (Calvin); and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Carl Lee White, Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Carl Lee White, Sr. as an expression of our sympathy.