Bill Text: NY J02198 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Constance Bowles Eve, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-04-09 - ADOPTED [J02198 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J02198-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2198 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Constance Bowles Eve, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her 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 this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve died on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve, one of 10 children, was born to Robert and Georgia W. Bowles in Havoco, West Virginia, on July 14, 1932; graduating from high school at the age of 15, she was awarded a scholarship for Oration, leading to obtaining Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and drama from West Virginia State College, at the age of 19, in 1952; continuing her education at New York University, she earned her Master of Arts degree; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Constance Bowles Eve had been recognized for her advanced work in speech education and was a Professor Emeritus in English; and WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve's professional positions included: Assistant Librarian in the Research Division at New York University; Assistant Professor of English and Drama and Director of the Little Theater at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina; Instructor of English in the Buffalo Public Schools; and Professor of English at Erie Community College; and WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve had numerous religious, professional, political, civic, and service associations, including: Chairperson of Stewardship and Member of the Vestry at St. Philip's Episcopal Church; Member of the Episcopal Diocese Horns of Plenty Concert; and Member of the Board of Directors of the Martin House Restoration Corporation; she was also involved in the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Buffalo Council of Churches; and WHEREAS, In 1980, Constance Bowles Eve founded and chaired Women for Human Rights and Dignity (WHRD), Inc., which grew to eight programmatic components; in 1991, the WHRD Development Corporation was established, offering training, education, family counseling, and housing; and WHEREAS, Dignity Circle was a transitional support program for homeless women and children; "Movin' On," a structured program for homeless women that provided educational, vocational, and counseling services, and the Women's Residential Resource Center provided a structured environment to women sent there directly from the courts as an alternative to incarceration; and WHEREAS, In 1998, two additional components, Dignity Village, a replica of Dignity Circle, which provides housing and support services for children and single mothers, and the Intergenerational Family Preservation Program, which focuses on intergenerational family therapy, community outreach, early childhood services, and day care, were scheduled to be completed; and WHEREAS, For her dedication and contributions to the community, Constance Bowles Eve received countless awards, honors, and citations; she was featured in national magazines and was named Buffalo News Citizen of the Year in 1997; and WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve is survived by her husband of 67 years, former Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Arthur O. Eve; sons, Arthur O. Eve, Jr., Eric Vincent Eve, Martin King Eve, and Malcolm X. Eve; and daughter, Leecia Roberta Eve; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Constance Bowles Eve 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 mourn the death of Constance Bowles Eve, 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 Constance Bowles Eve.