HR0313 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0313 LRB101 12064 MST 59524 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Robert James Criss Sr. of Peoria, who passed away on March 26, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Criss was born in Newport, Arkansas to Katie E. (Holiday) and Frank Criss on June 28, 1924; he served in the United States Army, where he preached overseas, including in Belgium and Germany until he was honorably discharged; he married Georgianna Doss; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Criss worked at Caterpillar, Inc. until retiring in 1978; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, Rev. Criss and Georgianna founded the Holy Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ in Peoria, where he served as pastor for 62 years and is considered the longest serving pastor in the Illinois C.O.G.I.C. diocese; Leroy Ave, on which his church is located, was named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Criss served as district superintendent of the Greater Bethlehem District of the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Criss was preceded in death by his parents; his spouses, Evangelist Georgianna Criss and Bertha Criss; two infant daughters; and two brothers, Loyes Porter and Pastor Leonard (A.C.) Criss; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Criss is survived by his children, Minister Gary Lee (Crystal) Criss, Elder Larry Leroy (Dorothy) Criss, Minister Robert James (Tina) Criss Jr., Missionary Linda Joy (Earthel) Garner, Missionary Glenda Joyce (Eld. Michael) Burrell, Robin Gale Criss-Williams, Bishop Timothy E. (Sherry) Criss, and Georgianna Maria Criss; his special cousin, Anvilee Robinson; 25 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives; and his beloved Holy Tabernacle Church Family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend Robert James Criss Sr. 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 Rev. Criss as an expression of our deepest sympathy.