Senate Resolution No. 2821

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the tragic and untimely death of
Celestine Chaney, devoted mother, distinguished
citizen and beloved 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; Celestine Chaney was one such
individual; and

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

WHEREAS, Celestine Chaney of Buffalo, New York, died on Saturday,
May 14, 2022, in the devastating act of violence which took place at the
Tops Friendly Market on historic Jefferson Avenue; she was 65 years old;
and

WHEREAS, The youngest of four daughters, Celestine Chaney attended
Clinton Junior High School before graduating from Fosdick Masten Girls
Vocational High School where she learned to sew; she went on to study
business administration at Bryant & Stratton College; and

WHEREAS, Celestine Chaney shared a wonderful life with her longtime
partner and fiance, Raymond Johnson; she held several notable jobs at
prominent manufacturing companies, including M.Wile and New Era Cap; and

WHEREAS, While she was passionate about many things, above all her
greatest passion was being with her family; she is survived by her
beloved partner, Raymond Johnson; her only son, Wayne Donell Jones
(Halimah Madyun); nine grandchildren, Wayne Donell Jones, Jr. (Danielle
Simpson), Kayla Jones, Charon Reed, Chayna Jones, Donell Jones, Nasir
Jones, Dominique Brown, Latifa Johnson, and Latoya Baugh; nine
great-grandchildren; one sister, Joann Daniel; and a host of nieces and
nephews; and

WHEREAS, Celestine Chaney'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, Celestine Chaney 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 tragic and untimely death of Celestine Chaney, 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 Celestine Chaney.