Honor Marshan I. Gainer

Senate Resolution No. 2804 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Marshan I. Gainer, beloved mother and grandmother, dedicated humanitarian, and pillar of her community WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Marshan I. Gainer, an extraordinary woman of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and WHEREAS, Marshan I. Gainer of White Plains, New York, died on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the age of 72; and WHEREAS, Marshan Iva Mason was born to William and Laura Mason on

March 27, 1947, in Buffalo, New York; she and her family were faithful members of Bethel AME Church, where she sang in the choir; and WHEREAS, After graduating from the State University College at Fredonia in 1969, Marshan I. Gainer earned her Master of Arts degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and took courses towards her Doctorate; and WHEREAS, Marshan I. Gainer began her long and distinguished career as an English teacher, before moving into the business world, holding executive administration and human resources positions at The Girls Scouts of America, Avon, and Save the Children; in these roles, she traveled the world making a difference in the lives of clients, particularly children who benefitted from the important works of these vital organizations; and WHEREAS, For over 40 years, Marshan I. Gainer was a member of The Order of Eastern Star (OES), serving as Worthy Matron at Mt. Tabor No.

35 Chapter, OES, and Grand Worthy Matron at Eureka Grand Chapter, OES Prince Hall Affiliation; and WHEREAS, In addition, Marshan I. Gainer was the Honorary Past Imperial Commandress of the Imperial Court Daughters Of Isis; in this capacity, she led an initiative to bring dozens of underserved children to Camp Eureka in Roscoe, New York; and WHEREAS, Marshan I. Gainer met and married the love of her life, the late Robert Rudolph "Rudy" Gainer, and together, they raised seven children, and volunteered their time and energies to numerous worthy organizations; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Marshan I. Gainer was an active member of The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City, and occasionally attended Mount Hope AME Zion Church in White Plains; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Robert R. Gainer, and her nephew, Bryan Slaughter, Marshan I. Gainer is survived by her seven children, Barbara Robertson, Lisa Gill, Mechele Jacobs, Katryne Gainer, Gordon Gainer, Kasey Stephenson Anderson and Kelley White; 15 grandchildren, Aaron, Alex, Nicole, James, Cheyenne, Brandon, Adrianne, Kenya, Jamal, Tahpraisza, Giamor, Dominique, Jacorey, Jordan, and Bryce Bass; one sister, Sheila K. Slaughter; one brother, Vincent Mason; her nieces and nephews, are Paul, Davene, Lauryn and Marc; and numerous friends, grand nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren and many other relatives, who will long cherish her memory; and WHEREAS, Through her boundless love and profound words of wisdom, Marshan I. Gainer's legacy of true grace and luminous beauty, inside and out, will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing and dynamic woman; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Marshan I. Gainer, beloved mother and grandmother, dedicated humanitarian, and pillar of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Marshan I. Gainer.