HR0313LRB101 12064 MST 59524 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend
4Robert James Criss Sr. of Peoria, who passed away on March 26,
52019; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Rev. Criss was born in Newport, Arkansas to Katie
7E. (Holiday) and Frank Criss on June 28, 1924; he served in the
8United States Army, where he preached overseas, including in
9Belgium and Germany until he was honorably discharged; he
10married Georgianna Doss; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Rev. Criss worked at Caterpillar, Inc. until
12retiring in 1978; and
 
13    WHEREAS, In 1965, Rev. Criss and Georgianna founded the
14Holy Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ in Peoria, where he
15served as pastor for 62 years and is considered the longest
16serving pastor in the Illinois C.O.G.I.C. diocese; Leroy Ave,
17on which his church is located, was named in his honor; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Rev. Criss served as district superintendent of
19the Greater Bethlehem District of the Southern Illinois
20Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; and
 

 

 

HR0313- 2 -LRB101 12064 MST 59524 r

1    WHEREAS, Rev. Criss was preceded in death by his parents;
2his spouses, Evangelist Georgianna Criss and Bertha Criss; two
3infant daughters; and two brothers, Loyes Porter and Pastor
4Leonard (A.C.) Criss; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Rev. Criss is survived by his children, Minister
6Gary Lee (Crystal) Criss, Elder Larry Leroy (Dorothy) Criss,
7Minister Robert James (Tina) Criss Jr., Missionary Linda Joy
8(Earthel) Garner, Missionary Glenda Joyce (Eld. Michael)
9Burrell, Robin Gale Criss-Williams, Bishop Timothy E. (Sherry)
10Criss, and Georgianna Maria Criss; his special cousin, Anvilee
11Robinson; 25 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; many
12great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and
13relatives; and his beloved Holy Tabernacle Church Family;
14therefore, be it
 
15    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
16HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
17we mourn the passing of Reverend Robert James Criss Sr. and
18extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all
19who knew and loved him; and be it further
 
20    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
21presented to the family of Rev. Criss as an expression of our
22deepest sympathy.