Assembly Resolution No. 265

BY: M. of A. Aubry

MOURNING the death of Pearl S. Reeves,
distinguished citizen 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 S. Reeves was one such
individual; and

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

WHEREAS, Pearl S. Reeves, affectionately known to many as Pearlie,
died on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 24, 1928, Pearl S. Reeves grew up on a
farm in Greensboro, Hale County, Alabama; unfortunately, at the young
age of six, her father unexpectedly died leaving her mother and five
siblings to maintain their family home and land; and

WHEREAS, A bright, passionate young woman, Pearl S. Reeves graduated
from high school in 1948, and briefly attended Alabama State University
Teacher School; she moved to New York City, and worked at the New York
City Department of Human Resources for almost 20 years before retiring
from the Welfare Division in the Statistical and Control Department; and

WHEREAS, Pearl S. Reeves' commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Pearl S. Reeves was dedicated to her community and strived
to make it a better place for her neighbors to live, work and play; she
was a founding member of the Curtis Street Block Association, a lifetime
member of the NAACP, Vice President and Financial Secretary of the New
York City Chapter of the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, and
was actively involved with the Corona/East Elmhurst Civic Association,
among other organizations; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her community work, Pearl S. Reeves loved
spending time with her cherished family and enjoyed attending church; in
1974, she was baptized at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Corona, New York,
and later, was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in East
Elmhurst, New York; and

WHEREAS, Pearl S. Reeves is survived by one sister, Alma O. Madison;
one daughter, Denis Wilson; two grandchildren, Alicia M. (Marlon) and
Robert (RJ); one great-grandchild, Ari Nicole; longtime friend, Carol
Delasso, as well as numerous other family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, Pearl S. Reeves' 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 S. Reeves 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 death of Pearl S. Reeves, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Pearl S. Reeves.