SR0737 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0737 LRB098 14699 MST 49566 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Pastor James Charles Rice of Decatur, who passed away on October 22, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice was born in Walls, Mississippi in 1938; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice was already teaching Sunday School at the Walls Chapel United Methodist Church by age 12; at age 28, he became Pastor to his first church, the Seven Star Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana and served from 1965 to 1975; in 1975, he accepted the position of Pastor at St. John Baptist Church in Decatur and oversaw its relocation from King Street to its current home on East Moore Street; he moved to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice married Earnestine Allen in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice served with the Mid-State District Association, the Illinois National Baptist State Convention, and the National Baptist Convention Incorporated International; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Andre Rice; and 11 siblings; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Rice is survived by his wife, Earnestine; his children, Darlene Roberts, Sheila (Lamar) Williams, Steve (Monica) Parsons, Brian C. Allen, and Brandon (Rochelle) Allen; his brothers, A.C. (Estella) Rice and Child (Donzella) Rice; his sisters, Willie Mae Owens, Ruth Miller, Annie M. Gatewood, and Essie (James) Jones; his 10 grandchildren; his 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Pastor James Charles Rice, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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