Senate Resolution No. 1343

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Evelyn Patterson
Merriweather, longtime publisher of the Buffalo
Criterion, 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, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Evelyn Patterson Merriweather,
noting the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Patterson Merriweather of Buffalo, New York, died on
Friday, November 12, 2021, at the age of 98; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Patterson was born the fifth of six children to
Charner and Foddie Patterson on January 30, 1923, in Buffalo, New York,
where she attended School 31 and was a graduate of Hutchinson Central
High School; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her studies, Evelyn Patterson worked
in the Federal National Youth Administration jobs program before being
employed as a bookkeeper for the White House Sausage Company; during
World War II, this hard-working young woman was employed for several
years at the Curtiss-Wright aircraft plant; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Patterson married into a newspaper family when she
and Frank Merriweather Jr. were united in marriage on June 23, 1946;
together the couple, who led the renowned Buffalo Criterion, raised
their five children in the business while diligently and steadfastly
serving their community as a major voice in recording the history of
African Americans; and

WHEREAS, When Frank Merriweather Jr. passed away on May 22, 1995,
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather took over as Publisher of the Buffalo
Criterion, the oldest Black owned newspaper in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, With a tireless devotion to her profession and her
community, Evelyn Patterson Merriweather was the proud recipient of
numerous awards and accolades; she remained in the esteemed position of
publisher of the Buffalo Criterion until her death; and

WHEREAS, A woman of great faith, Evelyn Patterson Merriweather was a
devout Christian and a lifelong active member of Holy Temple Church of
God in Christ; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her husband of nearly 50 years, Evelyn
Patterson Merriweather was predeceased by her daughter, Carole Ann
Merriweather; she is survived by two daughters, Evelyn Patti
Merriweather Ferguson and Frances Jill Merriweather Gist; two sons,

Frank E. III and Bruce C. Merriweather; 12 grandchildren; and five
great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Patterson Merriweather'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, Evelyn Patterson Merriweather 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 Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, 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 Evelyn Patterson Merriweather.