TITLE: In memory of John Lawrence Wilborn Sr. of Marshall.

SUMMARY: In memory of John Lawrence Wilborn Sr. of Marshall.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of John Lawrence Wilborn Sr. of Marshall on February 1, 2025, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Born in Marshall on June 9, 1932, John Wilborn was the son of Ella Mae Scott and Julius Wilborn; a 1949 graduate of H.B. Pemberton High School, he went on to earn degrees from Wiley University and Texas Southern University; he served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, In 1956, Mr. Wilborn met his future wife, Kathryn Thompson, and they married a year later; the couple were blessed with three children, John Wilborn Jr., Jeffrey Wilborn, and Stephanie Wilborn Myers; and WHEREAS, Mr. Wilborn had a long and rewarding career in education, working as a teacher for nearly three decades and as an administrator for eight years; in 1991, he retired from Marshall Independent School District as deputy principal at Sam Houston Middle School; and WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Mr. Wilborn represented District 5 in Marshall on the city council for 24 years; from 1992 to 1994, he served as mayor of Marshall, becoming only the second African American to hold the office; as mayor, he worked to integrate administrative positions into municipal government; he also served on the Marshall Economic Development Board of Directors for two terms; in addition, he was an active member of Bethesda Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Although John Wilborn will be deeply missed, he has left his family and friends with a wealth of memories that they will forever treasure; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of John Lawrence Wilborn Sr. and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of John Wilborn. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 13, 2025 by a rising vote.