Senate Resolution No. 2840

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the tragic and untimely death of Pearl
Young, beloved mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother, and devoted 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; Pearl Young was one such
individual; and

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

WHEREAS, Pearl Young 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 77 years old; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Fayette, Alabama, Pearl Young was one of
five siblings; she moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where she was
introduced to Oliver Young Jr.; the couple married and settled in
Buffalo, where together they raised their three children, James, Pamela,
and Damon; and

WHEREAS, For the past 20 years, Pearl Young was a substitute teacher
at Buffalo Public Schools, including Burgard High School and, more
recently, Emerson School of Hospitality; and

WHEREAS, Pearl Young was a devout Christian and a member of Good
Samaritan Church of God in Christ in Cheektowaga where she enjoyed
serving and teaching Sunday school; and

WHEREAS, A University of Buffalo alumna, Pearl Young graduated from
UB with a bachelor's degree in social science in 1981, while raising
three children; her focus was gerontology, and after graduating, she
went on to work with the elderly; and

WHEREAS, Pearl Young led a productive, meaningful and truly
admirable life, working with the elderly, teaching the next generation
and using her degree for its highest purpose, to serve others; and

WHEREAS, While she was passionate about many things, above all her
greatest passion was spending time with her family; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased in 2013 by her beloved husband, Pearl Young is
survived by her children, James (Candace), Pamela and Damon; two
sisters, Annie Ruth Winston and Jean Craig; sisters-in-love, Gloria
Anderson (Charles), Mildred Harris, Constance Brooks, Doris Paige;
Bishop Glenwood H. Young and Superintendent Emeritus Harold Young
(Valerie); and her best friends, Gloria Anderson and Yvonne Bottoms; as
well as 10 precious grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a host of

nieces and nephews, her church family and her adored Sunday school
students; and

WHEREAS, Pearl Young'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, Pearl Young 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 Pearl Young, 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 Pearl Young.