Senate Resolution No. 3112

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of The Honorable Johnny Lee
Baynes, dedicated public servant and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, served to better the
quality of life in their community and had a measurable positive impact
on the lives of its residents; Johnny Lee Baynes was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes of Brooklyn, New York, died
on Thursday, March 27, 2020, at the age of 64, due to complications
related to the coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, Born in a small town in Georgia, Johnny Lee Baynes moved to
New York with his family at a young age; when he was just eight
years-old, his mother died, and he was raised largely by his sisters;
and

WHEREAS, He attended Fordham University as an undergraduate student
before graduating from Howard University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes became a Housing Court
judge, and joined the bench in Brooklyn after he was elected to the New
York City Civil Court in 2005; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes was then named an acting
Supreme Court justice in Kings County, and in 2011, he won an election
for a 14-year term to the Kings County Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining the bench, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes was a
staff attorney for the New York City Housing Authority, as well as
District Council 37 and the Municipal Employees Legal Services Plan; and

WHEREAS, Over a long and preeminent career, Justice Johnny Lee
Baynes distinguished himself and his profession, serving tirelessly in
the administration of the law, while diligently guarding over the rights
of the citizens it serves; he was often thought of as a gentle giant by
the legal community due to his size and demeanor in the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes is survived by his
daughter, Jolie, and his ex-wife, Pamela Thomas; following in her
father's footsteps, Jolie interned in the Brooklyn court system, and is
currently attending law school; and

WHEREAS, With a larger-than-life persona and a faithful member of
the court, Johnny Lee Baynes will be remembered as a revered judge, but
more importantly as a courteous, thoughtful, and compassionate man who
treated defendants with respect and dignity; he will be truly missed by
all those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes.