LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of Virginia Rawlerson,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her church and 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, Virginia "Ginny" Rawlerson of Brooklyn, New York, died on
Thursday, February 19, 2015, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson was born on August 12, 1934, in Brooklyn,
New York, one of six children of Fred William Ramsey, Sr. and Omega
Davis Ramsey, who moved to the North in the First Great African American
Migration, determined to create a better life for both of them and their
children; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, Virginia Rawlerson graduated from Franklin K. Lane
High School in Brooklyn, and then went on to earn both her Bachelor of
Arts degree and Master's degree in Education; and
WHEREAS, Seven years later, Virginia Rawlerson married her childhood
sweetheart, Cleve Rawlerson; she was a loving wife and a doting mother
to two children and cherished her role as homemaker, who enjoyed baking
delicious cakes, pies, and breads; and
WHEREAS, Spending time with her friends and family brought Virginia
Rawlerson unparalleled happiness; she also enjoyed traveling, reading,
collecting Lladro figurines, listening to music, and finding household
bargains; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson was employed at McCann Erickson Advertis-
ing Agency, and then as a Paraprofessional at PS 45 in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson then obtained her Education degree, and
taught school at both PS 45 and later at PS 86 in Brooklyn; she was a
4th grade teacher for the majority of her career, always seeking to
instill in her students the qualities of discipline and precision; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Virginia Rawlerson retired from the role of educa-
tor, and focused her time on her family, especially her two grandchil-
dren, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson's commitment to excellence,and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson was a faithful member of the Cornerstone
Baptist Church for more than 60 years; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Virginia Rawlerson began volunteering at the Commu-
nity Outreach Tutorial Program; using her teaching background, she
tutored students in grades one through eight in both reading and math-
ematics; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Rawlerson was a vital member of the P.T.A. of the
Cornerstone Baptist Church School, and at the time of her death, she
held the position of P.T.A. Treasurer; she also served on the Planning
Committee for the Annual Church School's Open House, and for many years,
she was the Women's Day Captain; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Virginia Rawlerson's participation in the Cradle
Roll Department at the Cornerstone Baptist Church School brought her
immense joy and laughter; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her parents, Fred William Ramsey, Sr. and
Omega Davis Ramsey, two sisters, Lena Mae Ramsey and Marilyn Ramsey
Williams, and two brothers, Fred Ramsey, Jr. and Dr. Alvin (Aombaye)

Ramsey, Virginia Rawlerson is survived by one daughter, Karen Ali; a
son, Kerry (Yolanda) Rawlerson; two grandsons, Rashad and Shariyf Ali;
one brother, Larry Ramsey; a sister-in-law, Tene Ramsey; six nephews,
Kwame, Cheo, Amilcar (Betsey), Michael (Mary), Kandia (Lisa), and Dedan;
a niece, Janice (Stanley); two grandnephews, lzaiah and Osiah; three
grandnieces, Kwamilah, Macayla, and Jacqueline; one goddaughter, Donna;
five aunts, Evelyn, Carolyn, Rosetta, Susie, and LuRosa; and lifetime
friends, Rae Conyers, Thelma Harper, Mary Jane McCoy, Muriel Morton, and
Rose Scalabrino; as well as numerous cousins, friends, neighbors, and
her Cornerstone Baptist Church Family; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Virginia Rawlerson 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
celebrate the life of Virginia Rawlerson, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her church and community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Virginia Rawlerson.