Bill Text: NY J02558 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of April Dawn Catlett, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-05-29 - ADOPTED [J02558 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J02558-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2558 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of April Dawn Catlett, 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, April Dawn Catlett died on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 55; and WHEREAS, April Dawn Catlett, was born to Philip Gray and Emegine Catlett in Brooklyn, New York, on April 8, 1969; she received her education in the New York City Public School system; she obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology and early childhood education from the College of New Rochelle, Brooklyn Campus; later, she was a bus driver for the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority; and WHEREAS, As a natural entrepreneur, April Dawn Catlett possessed the knowledge to make money, cooking in the back of her truck and selling sandwiches, to feed the community of Boulevard Houses; and WHEREAS, With her love for working with children with special needs, April Dawn Catlett became a therapeutic foster parent, providing a safe haven for any children who were in need of care; her tenacious work was recognized by the New York Family Court system, Child Protective Services, and Administration for Children's Services; in 2017, she opened her daycare facility, "Emoji Faces," providing 24-hour non-traditional child care; and WHEREAS, Family was April Dawn Catlett's greatest joy, and she enjoyed being a mother and grandmother most of all; she ensured special celebrations for birthdays and holidays for her children and grandson throughout the years; and WHEREAS, Sacrificing her time, energy, and other resources to ensure provision of care for her children and grandson, April Dawn Catlett had a close bond with all of them; she also exhibited pride for her nephews and nieces; she was her brothers' only sister, and she became the foundational support of the family after their mother's death; and WHEREAS, April Dawn Catlett was a nurturing provider for everyone who was fortunate to know her; remembered by her friends and family as someone whose presence was felt anywhere she would go, she had an air of excellence and positive energy about her; and WHEREAS, April Dawn Catlett is survived by her husband, Herbert McFadden; son, Daquan Catlett; daughter, Cashmere Catlett; brothers, Lorenzo Catlett, Tracy Catlett, Shawn Catlett, and Tyrone Mercer; grandson, Kiyaire Catlett; nephews, Lorenzo, Shawn, Derrick, Eric, Demetrius, Aaron, Denzel, and Shawn; nieces, Shawnta, Sade, Jasmine, Mariah, Ashley, Dove, and Issis; and godchildren, Jonathan (Walter), Gurell, Antwan, Rashawn, and Purnell; and WHEREAS, April Dawn Catlett also leaves behind the Reed, Kelly, Peterkin, Neal, Toomer, and Bannerman families, as well as many relatives and close friends, and her special friend, Wayne Flood, who was there through it all; she is predeceased by her father, Philip Gray; stepfather, Charles Williams; mother, Emegine Catlett; niece, Starasia Taylor; godson, Conceptualization Gibbs; and her daughter's father, James Perkins; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, April Dawn Catlett 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 April Dawn Catlett, 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 April Dawn Catlett.