LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mildred Audrey Williams
Pilgrim, 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, Mildred Audrey Williams Pilgrim of Brooklyn, New York, died
on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 16, 1922, Mildred W. Pilgrim was the eldest
child of Anne Etta Holmes and Edward Williams; and
WHEREAS, A native Brooklynite, Mildred W. Pilgrim was a product of the
New York City public school system; she graduated with honors from
Public School 44; she later enrolled at Bushwick High School where she
graduated Summa Cum Laude; and
WHEREAS, While completing her studies, Mildred W. Pilgrim formed many
long-lasting friendships, the most important of which was with a young
boy named Leslie Pilgrim; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from high school, Mildred and Leslie were
married and moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the marine base that
housed the first African-American members of the United States Marine
Corps; after Leslie was honorably discharged from the Corps, the family
returned to Brooklyn and added a special addition, their son, Leslie,
Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Millie, Mildred W. Pilgrim distin-
guished herself in her profession with her sincere dedication and
substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Mildred W. Pilgrim had a great gift for numbers and this
skill was recognized by her employers; she spent the majority of her
esteemed career with the City of New York as a Financial Administrator
for the Human Resources Administration; and
WHEREAS, Mildred W. Pilgrim's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, An extraordinary community advocate, Mildred W. Pilgrim was
also a strong supporter of education; under the leadership of the late
Honorable Shirley Chisholm, she and a group of dynamic women started the
Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute for Children (SCCIC); this illustri-
ous organization was dedicated to the educational and cultural enrich-
ment of children in the Bedford-Stuyvesant/Crown Heights neighborhoods;
and
WHEREAS, Mildred W. Pilgrim was a lively, energetic, magnetic individ-
ual who knew how to make things happen; her sense of humor and ability
to endear everyone to her has been seconded by no one; she focused on
improving the condition of all within her reach and did not tire until
changes were made; and
WHEREAS, Mildred W. Pilgrim enjoyed her friends and loved her family;
her love and spirit were infinite and through her lifetime she made a
difference in the lives of countless individuals who were happy to adopt
her as their "Nana"; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Leslie Pilgrim; her sister,
Catherine Williams; and her dear friend, Ivy Smith, Mildred W. Pilgrim
is survived by her son, Leslie Pilgrim, Jr. and his wife, Doris; grand-
daughters, Shalei Simms and Cha-ka Pilgrim and their mother, Deidre
Pilgrim; step-grandsons, Bryon Shambley and Brandon Casenave; grand-
sons-in-law, Thomas Simms and Anthony Taylor; three great-grandchildren,
Leslie, Malaia and Kalia; her very special love for Tisha and Jevon; and

numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and
her nephew, Claver, whom she cared for since her sister's passing, as
well as her beloved caretaker, Giselle; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion and comforted by a loving family, Mildred W. Pilgrim 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 Mildred Audrey Williams Pilgrim, distinguished citi-
zen 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 Mildred Audrey Williams Pilgrim.