LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mrs. Pearl E. White,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Pearl E. White-Osun Aina, of Brooklyn, New York, died on
October 16, 2011, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 9, 1925 to the late Joseph Theobald and the
late Olive Bovel, both from Trinidad, West Indies, Pearl White attended
public school in Brooklyn, graduating from Girls High School in 1942;
she began her career working at AT&T, Ma Bell; and
WHEREAS, It was there where Pearl met Penda Ann White, the sister of
her future husband Andrew; from this union, they had two daughters, the
late Janice Anita White and Lynette Andrea White; and
WHEREAS, After spending time raising both children until they were of
school age, Pearl White found a job with the New York City Youth
Services Agency; she served as the registrar for the then J.H.S. 35
after school program; and
WHEREAS, At that time, Pearl White realized that she had a passion for
helping people, especially children; when the program ceased, she joined
the Agency's payroll department; and
WHEREAS, Pearl White excelled as she possessed a sharp skill in work-
ing with numbers; she ultimately continued fueling her passion of help-
ing people by going to John Jay College, earning a bachelors degree in
sociology in 1973; she later retired after receiving numerous awards for
diligent service in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Pearl White came to realize her place in the universe as she
eagerly stepped into the world of Orisha worship; in 1987, she put her
spiritual development in the hands of her Iyalosha, Stephanie Weaver, as
she was initiated into the mysteries of Osun, Goddess of family, love
and beauty; and
WHEREAS, This particular relationship was a source of inspiration and
solace for Pearl White; Mama Pearl was a member of Dance Africa's Coun-
cil of Elders, Awo Osun Egbe, the Elders Council for Ege Iwa Odo Kunrin,
Egbe Iwa Odo Binrin, the 309'ers and her beloved Taste Buds; and
WHEREAS, Pearl White distinguished herself in her profession and by
her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, Pearl White's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Pearl White is survived by her daughter, Lynette; her grand-
children Andrew, Penda, and Aisha, her great-grandchildren, Xharijhia,
Maliah, Anhya, Ahnisti; Ambiance, Sean, and Eli, her brothers Carlyle
and Lancelot, as well as a host of other family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion Pearl White leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Mrs. Pearl E. White, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Pearl E. White.