Senate Resolution No. 1139

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Jeanette Dowdell Garland,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Jeanette Dowdell Garland was one
such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Jeanette Dowdell Garland, noting
the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Jeanette Dowdell Garland of Albany, New York, died on May
29, 2021 at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Mom or Mama G to her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as those within the local
community, Jeanette Dowdell Garland always watched out for the youth in
her neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Educated in the Albany City School District, Jeanette
Dowdell Garland obtained her Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from
Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York; upon the completion
of her studies, she functioned as a partner in business, assisting her
husband in the consolation of grief-stricken families within the African
American community; in addition to performing administrative functions
in the office, she prepared the makeup and attire on the dearly
departed; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was the first Black employee at
Flah's Department Store; she also held positions at the New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles, Watervliet Arsenal, New York Telephone
Company, and the Albany County Department of Social Services Heap
Program; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Jeanette Dowdell Garland
accepted a position with the City of Albany Parks and Recreation
Department as Director of the Creighton Storey Teen Center, the esteemed
position from which she retired after 22 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Jeanette Dowdell Garland volunteered for numerous civic and
charitable community-based initiatives for the betterment of the African
American experience in the Capital District Area; she was instrumental
in securing scholarships for countless inner-city youth to attend Camp
Thatcher, and also participated in the beautification of the City of
Albany Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she volunteered at the Albany Girls Club Inc.
and the Grandmothers for Charter Schools, participating in various
events, school board meetings, common council meetings, marches, holiday

parties, and providing all the supplies and materials needed to make
holiday wreaths; this extraordinary woman also canvassed for the opening
of Green Tech High Charter School for Boys; and

WHEREAS, Spending a lifetime of giving to others to improve the
quality of life for the African American community, as well as the
entire City of Albany, and for her lifetime of service, Jeanette Dowdell
Garland has been the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades,
including the Caregiver Award by the Women of Color Cancer Support
group, South End Community Award, Frank Chapman Memorial Institute Inc.
Mothers of Pearl Award, Albany City Common Council Black History Award
and the Women of Color Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Award; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her parents, Princie Mae and Romas; her
daughter, Benita Elise; her son-in-law, Kenneth; her grandson, Gregory;
four uncles and two aunts; her mother-in-law, Nana Grace; her
father-in-law, William; and brother-in-law William Jr., Jeanette Dowdell
Garland is survived by her husband of 65 years, Benjamin G. Garland;
their children, Rodney (Sheila), Gregory (Inez), LaSone (Bernard),
Lillian, Phillippa, and James; three godchildren; their grandchildren,
Franziska, Bernard, Justin, Benjamin (Odaysia), Jennifer, William,
Jeanette (Virkwan), Kymir, Keisha, Rodesha, Alyssa, Rodney, Ronald,
Kiante, Phiana, Devonte, Rakeem, Zachary, Gage, and James; 19
great-grandchildren; five siblings, Rosemary, Ronald, Claudette, Carol,
and Leila; two sisters-in-law, Mollie and Lillian; five nieces; four
nephews; 12 grandnieces; five grandnephews; eight great-grandnephews;
two great-grandnieces; four first cousins, Diana, Ellen, Betty and
Daisy; and several lifelong friends, Johnnie, Jeannie, Joan, Mary,
Shirley; as well as a host of other cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, Jeanette Dowdell Garland's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jeanette Dowdell Garland leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing
woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute
of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jeanette Dowdell Garland, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jeanette Dowdell Garland.