Senate Resolution No. 5729

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Lance M. Reyes, Sr., General
Field Elder of the Glorious Church of God in Christ,
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. died on February 21, 2018, at the
age of 46; and

WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was born to Juan Pedro and Yvette
Elaine Reyes on November 8, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York; he attended PS
5, JHS 57, and Erasmus Hall High School; and

WHEREAS, After graduating in 1989, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. proudly
served his country as a Cannon Crew Member in the Army Reserves; for his
meritorious service, Private 1st Class Reyes, Sr. was the recipient of
several decorations highlighting his skills as Rifle M-16 and Hand
Grenade Marksman; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Lance M.
Reyes, Sr. returned to Brooklyn to pursue a career in barbering; he
attained his Master Barber License and worked in several establishments
before realizing his lifelong dream of opening his own business and
becoming an entrepreneur; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. opened MiShaeLanique, lovingly
named after his wife and two sisters, on 558 Halsey Street; the business
thrived and soon was moved to a larger facility on 1226 Broadway, where
he and his devoted mother, Yvette, worked side-by-side; the business
continued to flourish as it attracted customers and staff from across
the city; and

WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was well-liked for not only his talent,
but also his humble spirit, infectious personality and tremendous smile;
he truly was a friend to everyone; and

WHEREAS, On November 10, 1993, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. married the love
of his life, the former Michelle McClendon; together, the couple were
blessed with three children; and

WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was raised in the Glorious Church of
God in Christ, under the leadership of his late Uncle, Bishop Perry
Lindsay, Sr.; he was baptized on October 15, 1993, by his cousin, Bishop
David Lindsay, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. held several
positions including President of the Local YPUW, and church treasurer;
he also served on the trustees and general board, and the National YPUW
Committee; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was ordained minister in the
Glorious Church of God in Christ, and continued his education by
enrolling in the CBI Bible Institute where he studied Biblical
Principles; in 1999, he was ordained as an Elder, and six years later,
he was ordained as a General Field Elder; and

WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. is survived by his
wife, Michelle; three children, LaKwan (Sylvia), Lance Jr., and Tiyahna;
two grandchildren, Ronnie and Aubrey; his parents, Yvette (Ronald), and
Juan; two sisters, Alesia (Jason), and Selina (Cedric); six brothers,
Curtis, Tyler, Xzavier, Ronald Jr. (Ruby), Michael (Leslie) and Daniel
Stewart; second mother, Elaine Lindsey; godmother, Maudell Lewis; two
god brothers, Chad and Maurice; two special daughters, Lauryn and
Taylor; and 10 godchildren, Shakeya, David Jr., Isaiah, Knaqui,
Christian, Raquel, James, Zion, Angelo Jr., and Jonniece; as well as
many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. will always be
remembered as a comedian, who truly loved to make people laugh; he was
also a barbecue master and an avid fan of the New York Knicks; and

WHEREAS, Above all, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr.
cherished his beloved family; affectionately known as "PaPa" by his
granddaughter, he was an unassuming young man who stood tall in the eyes
of all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. brought to his
ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from
vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual
duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God always gave enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and administered
abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. leaves behind a
legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and accomplishments of General Field Elder, Lance M.
Reyes, Sr., and to express its deepest condolences to his family,
colleagues and friends who mourn his passing; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr.