SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 251
In Memory
of
John Wilborn Sr.
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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate