By Wilson H.R. No. 603 75R10944 SAJ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of the Reverend Wilbert Martin on March 1-2 21, 1996, at the age of 63, has brought a great loss to the family 1-3 and many friends of this esteemed Austin resident; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The son of Deacon and Mrs. Alger Martin, Reverend 1-5 Martin was a devoted worker at several places of worship before 1-6 becoming the founding pastor of Austin's Berean Baptist Church, in 1-7 which capacity he offered spiritual strength and guidance to 1-8 countless individuals through the years; and 1-9 WHEREAS, This respected clergyman also organized street and 1-10 hospital ministries to meet the diverse needs of the community, and 1-11 he further served the Lord as cofounder and director of the Berean 1-12 Bible Study Foundation of Austin, Inc., and as director of Berean 1-13 Ministries International; his outstanding involvement in all these 1-14 endeavors helped many people to center their lives around Jesus 1-15 Christ; and 1-16 WHEREAS, In addition to his exemplary Christian service, 1-17 Reverend Martin will also be remembered as a valued employee of the 1-18 Texas House of Representatives; highly regarded for his 1-19 professionalism and exceptional commitment to his work, he was 1-20 director of the Supply and Purchasing Division for 25 years; and 1-21 WHEREAS, His commitment to the community was evidenced by his 1-22 participation in several local organizations; a charter member of 1-23 both the East Austin Optimist Club and the Austin All City Mass 1-24 Male Chorus, he was organizer and coach of the Bear Cats pony 2-1 league team and inspired many young athletes to victory in citywide 2-2 championships in each of the seven years he was involved with the 2-3 team; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A man of immense vision and devotion, Reverend 2-5 Martin left an indelible mark on the community he was proud to call 2-6 home, and though he is gone from us now, his memory will surely 2-7 endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him; now, 2-8 therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Reverend Wilbert 2-11 Martin and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to 2-12 his wife, Reverend Jean Martin; to his daughters, Leah 2-13 Martin-Campbell and Stephanie Pena; to his sons, Leon Patterson and 2-14 Barry Patterson; to his adopted daughter, Reverend Harriet Taylor; 2-15 to his three sisters, Idell Martin, Juanita Manor, and Thelma 2-16 Crawford; to his grandchildren; and to the many other friends and 2-17 relatives of this distinguished gentleman; and, be it further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-20 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-21 the Reverend Wilbert Martin.