SR0236 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0236 LRB097 11958 KXB 55534 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton of Joliet, who passed away on February 10, 2011; and

WHEREAS, He was born in Tallulah, Louisiana, to Sarah and Ruben Singleton; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton was one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time; he dedicated his entire life to making a difference for mankind; during the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Singleton played a major role in the civil rights movement, marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Dr. Singleton shared Dr. King's dream, his vision, and the struggle for equality; and

WHEREAS, As a result of believing right is right and wrong is wrong, he gained national recognition for his efforts in the civil rights movement; Dr. Singleton was known throughout the world as a leader for all people; he was also recognized as one of the most prolific speakers and teachers of the gospel; for over four decades, Dr. Singleton spread the good news of Jesus Christ around the world; for 47 years, he served as the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Joliet, retiring in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Prior to pastoring Mt. Zion, Dr. Singleton pastored the Russell Street Church in East St. Louis, and he pastored the Colette Street Church in Danville; under his leadership at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, membership grew from 100 to 2,000 members; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Singleton was one of 150 African-American pastors invited to the White House by former President Ronald Reagan to consult on civil rights issues; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton is survived by his wife, the former Pearlie B. Dexter; his children, Gloria Singleton-Hayes, Isaac Singleton Jr., Charles Edward Singleton, Barbara Ann Edwards, Valerie Jean Singleton, and Willie Darren Singleton; his 19 grandchildren; his 9 great-grandchildren; his 4 great-great-grandchildren; the Mt. Zion church family; and a host of 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 Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.