April 25, 2019
East Texas Baptist University held the second annual Good Samaritan Luncheon on Thursday, April 25 to recognize Marshall Convention and Visitor Bureau Board Chair George Carter and Marshall City Commissioner-District 1 Gloria Moon for their servant leadership in Marshall. ETBU selected Carter and Moon to receive the Good Samaritan Award, inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37.
“The Good Samaritan did not see difficulty, conflict, or the things that may divide - or maybe he saw all of it and chose to help anyway,” ETBU Assistant Provost Emily Prevost said. “He went out of his own way to care for someone that may have not even spoken to him if they had met in better circumstances. Jesus names him the neighbor, the one who showed mercy. The individuals honored today represent this model. In spite of difficulty and personal sacrifice, they have chosen to show mercy. We are grateful for those, who continue the legacy of loving neighbors where we live.”
As a Marshall native, Carter and his family have been significant contributors to the community. He previously received the Marshall Citizen of the Year Award. Carter has worked in the areas of banking, ranching, insurance, and served on numerous boards including Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Marshall Youth Baseball Association, Harrison County Cattle Association, United Way Citizens Advisory Board, and Marshall Winter Wonderland of Lights. He and his wife, Susanne, have two children and six grandchildren.
“We have all heard the saying ‘where there is a will, there is a way.’ I feel that we should say ‘where I will, there is a way.’ Say ‘I will get involved,’ ‘I will help,’ ‘I will do what I can to make something better in my home, workplace, or community,’” Carter commented. “There are many people, who deserve this award, and I am thankful to ETBU for recognizing servant leaders in our community and encouraging students and employees to be involved in Marshall.”
ETBU Board of Trustees member Sam Moseley shared of Carter, “Whatever business George has been in, his heart has been in helping other people and the community. He loves Marshall and has shown his dedication to this city throughout his lifetime. Today’s recognition is entirely appropriate and befitting of the contributions George has and continues to make.”
Gloria Moon has served with the Marshall City Commission since 2008. A native of Marshall, she is a graduate of H.B. Pemberton High School and Wiley College. She has also pursued higher learning at East Texas Baptist University, East Texas State University, and Prairie View A&M University. Prior to her position with the Marshall City Commission, Moon worked for the Marshall Public School System for 33 years. After retiring, Moon returned to the classroom this year at Travis Elementary School. She is a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, and she and her late husband, Carlos W. Moon, have three children.
“Teaching is my heart, and I always try to find the place where I can best serve the community and the children there,” Moon shared. “I am thankful and honored to be recognized with the Good Samaritan Award.”
William B. Travis Elementary School Principal Tamekia Johnson said of Moon, “Gloria’s unique teaching style has blessed students that come from diverse backgrounds and struggle to learn. She often takes the most challenging students to teach, and never looks for the easy way out. Mrs. Moon is dedicated, loyal to, and believes in the students she serves.”
In honor of the Christian principle of being a Good Samaritan, the award acknowledges those that embody the greatest commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself. Nominations, submitted by ETBU faculty and staff, were reviewed by University leadership. The recipients were selected for their humble service to the community.
“ETBU has been a part of the fabric of this community since 1912, when W. T. Tardy, alongside other community members, created the College of Marshall,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “The University remains a Christ-centered institution for the people of Marshall and East Texas. Part of the mission of ETBU is to train the next generation of Christian servant leaders. For us, that means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and give in service to others. Our 2019 Good Samaritan recipients George Carter and Gloria Moon certainly reflect this in their vocational callings and community service.”