A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Jamaal Francis Gerve AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Jamaal Francis Gerve; and

 

Whereas, born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on July 15, 1991, he was the first-born child of Deleta LaFrey Rowe and Erode Gerve and was disabled at birth with spina bifida which limited his activities. Even with this disability, he enjoyed his cousins and fought to live his life courageously to the fullest; and

 

Whereas, Jamaal accepted Christ in 1999 and matriculated through the Broward County public school system from kindergarten to tenth grade; and

 

Whereas, he and his mother relocated to Gilbert, Arizona, where Jamaal received his high school diploma in May of 2010, celebrating with family and friends; and

 

Whereas, after graduation, he relocated to California where he attended Merced College to study computer graphic design. In 2013, Jamaal and his mom relocated once again to Tallahassee, Florida. Jamaal began to experience independence and started working for the state of Florida Rehabilitative Services; and

 

Whereas, determined to get his license, Jamaal had always wanted to drive and worked hard saving his money to purchase a minivan with all the accessories to accommodate his driving. After purchasing his car, he drove to Quincy to show his uncle all of the gadgets to help him keep the car on the road and how he was able to get in and out of it while still in his wheelchair; and

 

Whereas, he enjoyed playing his X-box computer games and watching football and professional basketball, especially the Los Angeles Lakers, his favorite team; and

 

Whereas, Jamaal was featured on television as a poster child for the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

He played for the Phoenix Suns Wheelchair Basketball League from 2007-2009 and played for the Arizona Wheelchair League. Jamaal's hard work and talent was honored by being recognized with a certificate by the Mayor of Gilbert, Arizona; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life of Jamaal Gerve, and his friends and family will cherish the memory of his huge smile and the joy he gave to all who knew him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Jamaal Francis Gerve and extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jamaal Francis Gerve.

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