Senate Resolution No. 841

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Lois Dabney, compassionate
social worker, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Lois Dabney, an extraordinary woman of
indomitable dedication whose purposeful life will long serve as a
standard to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, Lois Dabney, former resident of Buffalo, New York, passed
away on Monday, December 10, 2018, at the age of 95; she will fondly be
remembered for her extraordinary work as a social worker who served as
an advocate on behalf of foster parenting and young people with
developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Lois Blayton was born on November 1, 1923, in Washington,
D.C.; after earning her bachelor's degree from Spelman College in 1945,
she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as a social worker
for the Friendly Inn Resident Settlement House; and

WHEREAS, Lois Blayton furthered her education by obtaining her
master's degree in social science administration from the Mandel School
of Applied Social Sciences at Western Reserve University, now Case
Western Reserve; and

WHEREAS, In September of 1949, Lois Blayton married the late Dr.
Oliver J. Dabney; after he completed his military service in the United
States Air Force in 1952, they moved to the Buffalo, New York, area
where she was employed at both Friendship House in Lackawanna and
Neighborhood House in Buffalo's Fruit Belt; and

WHEREAS, Lois Dabney became a social worker for the Children's Aid
Society in 1961, then worked for Child and Family Services until 1968,
when she took a position at the West Seneca Developmental Center; after
25 years of service, she officially retired in 1993, as an affirmative
action officer; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to her Hamlin Park neighborhood and her profession,
Lois Dabney held various leadership posts in the Buffalo Branch and the
American Association of University Women, and served as an advisory
committee member of the United Negro College Fund, and on the board of
the Blue Rose Foundation, which provides support for those with
developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was also a member of the Buffalo
Urban League, the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and the
Know Your Neighbor Panel, a volunteer group of women who promoted better
human relations through education; and

WHEREAS, Lois Dabney was active with the Girl Friends Inc. and the
Girl Friends Foundation Scholarship Program, the United Foster Care
Parents Association, the New York Association and Academy of Certified

Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers and the
Mental Health Association; and

WHEREAS, For her tireless commitment and exceptional contributions
to society, Lois Dabney was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades including the YWCA Woman of the Year Award and a special award
from the Junior League of Buffalo for foster parent recruitment; she
also received an Achievement Award by the American Association of
University Women, and was recognized by its Committee on Women for her
work in promoting day care centers; and

WHEREAS, When she was not helping someone, Lois Dabney enjoyed
spending time with her family at the Chautauqua Institution, and loved
to paint with watercolors and oil, and create pieces of enameled art;
and

WHEREAS, Lois Dabney is survived by her three loving daughters,
Anita E., Margaret S. and Olivia L.; a devoted sister, Gwendolyn
Robinson; and two treasured granddaughters, as well as numerous friends
and colleagues who will long cherish her memory; and

WHEREAS, Through her boundless energy and profound words of wisdom,
Lois Dabney's legacy of true grace and infinite selflessness and
kindness, 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 Lois Dabney, compassionate social worker,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lois Dabney.