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.