Title
To honor and recognize Dr. Joseph Pannell and Mother Naomi Pannell for 64 outstanding years of service to the City of Columbus and the United States of America.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph Pannell was born on October 7, 1929 in Powtown, WV where as a young man, he served as a deacon at the age of 17 years and gave his life to Christ while attending the Little Rock Church in Elkhorn, WV; and
WHEREAS, Young Joseph graduated from Elkhorn High School as the "Most Outstanding Student of the year" and was inducted into the National Honor Society with a 4.0 grade point average; and
WHEREAS, His family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1949, where he was later drafted to the United States Army in 1952, serving as a Sergeant First Class and medic officer in the Korean War (2nd Infantry Division); and
WHEREAS, Mother Naomi Pannell, affectionately known as "Mom" was born on November 1, 1934 in Northfork, WV, as Naomi Elizabeth Robinson. She is the third oldest of 13 children. Her name was individually chosen as her grandfather, John Robinson proclaimed, "We have a Paul, a Ruth, and now I name you Naomi"; and
WHEREAS, Mom attended Elkridge Elementary; Northfolk Jr. High; and Elkhorn Senior High School in WV throughout her childhood; and
WHEREAS, Mother Pannell was baptized and received the Holy Ghost at the early age of 12 at the Little Rock Church of Christ in Elkridge, under the pastorate of Bishop Posey Diamond Smith; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently Mother Pannell was called to work in church administration at a very early age, some of her assignments were: Secretary of the Sunday School; Secretary of the Pastor's Aide, Member of the Busy Bee Club, the Young People's Prayer Band; and member of the Gospel Choir; and
WHEREAS, in 1952, Naomi married Joseph Pannell, forming this union just prior to his tour of duty in Korea with the US Army; and
WHEREAS, to this Union, seven daughters were born. In 1975, they later added a four year old nephew into the family as their very first son. They now have four sons-in-law; 26 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren, and five grandsons-in-law; and
WHEREAS, the couple eventually relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where they became members of Rehoboth Temple Church, under the pastorate of the Late Bishop Hubert J. Spencer; and
WHEREAS, In 1958 Mother Pannell became the founding member of the infamous Templelaire Choir at Rehoboth Temple Church, a choir that is still singing over 52 years later. She has also served as the church's Administrative Assistant for over 30 years, and continued to serve as Missionary President, Member of the Missionary Prayer Band, the Ministers and Deacons Wives Guild; Director, Vacation Bible School; Member of the ABYPU; started the Gospel Choir; Sunday School teacher for Junior and International classes; and has worked on the registration committees for state and national conventions; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pannell has held many church offices in the Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC). While serving at Rehoboth Temple Church, he held the post as Sunday School Superintendent for 26 years; International Sunday School & National Assistant Superintendent, including the creation of the national Sunday school teacher's first guide and handbook; and was later inducted into the COOL JC International Sunday School Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, During January 1978, Dr. Pannell founded the Little Rock Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio, where he has served for 32 years. The current building was completed in 1992, followed by a mortgage burning service in June 2001. Over the past 18 years, he has also served as Pastor of the New Bethel Temple Church in Gary, WVA. Recognized as a true and powerful public servant, his tenure in government culminated in retirement after 28 years of service; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Mother Pannell is employed with the Sonshine Christian Academy as a Para-Educator, where many of the staff, students, and parents too call her "Mom." Her favorite scripture is Psalm 17:15 which reads: As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness; and
WHEREAS, Both Dr. Pannell and his wife may always be found with genuine smiles, freely sharing a kind word with others; and truly with the hearts for mankind; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL:
That we hereby honor and recognize Dr. Joseph Pannell and Mother Naomi Pannell for 64 outstanding years of service to the City of Columbus and the United States of America.