Honor Lance M. Reyes, Sr.

Senate Resolution No. 5729 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Lance M. Reyes, Sr., General Field Elder of the Glorious Church of God in Christ, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. died on February 21, 2018, at the age of 46; and WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was born to Juan Pedro and Yvette Elaine Reyes on November 8, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York; he attended PS

5, JHS 57, and Erasmus Hall High School; and WHEREAS, After graduating in 1989, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. proudly served his country as a Cannon Crew Member in the Army Reserves; for his meritorious service, Private 1st Class Reyes, Sr. was the recipient of several decorations highlighting his skills as Rifle M-16 and Hand Grenade Marksman; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. returned to Brooklyn to pursue a career in barbering; he attained his Master Barber License and worked in several establishments before realizing his lifelong dream of opening his own business and becoming an entrepreneur; and WHEREAS, In 1996, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. opened MiShaeLanique, lovingly named after his wife and two sisters, on 558 Halsey Street; the business thrived and soon was moved to a larger facility on 1226 Broadway, where he and his devoted mother, Yvette, worked side-by-side; the business continued to flourish as it attracted customers and staff from across the city; and WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was well-liked for not only his talent, but also his humble spirit, infectious personality and tremendous smile; he truly was a friend to everyone; and WHEREAS, On November 10, 1993, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. married the love of his life, the former Michelle McClendon; together, the couple were blessed with three children; and WHEREAS, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was raised in the Glorious Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of his late Uncle, Bishop Perry Lindsay, Sr.; he was baptized on October 15, 1993, by his cousin, Bishop David Lindsay, Sr.; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. held several positions including President of the Local YPUW, and church treasurer; he also served on the trustees and general board, and the National YPUW Committee; and WHEREAS, In 1997, Lance M. Reyes, Sr. was ordained minister in the Glorious Church of God in Christ, and continued his education by enrolling in the CBI Bible Institute where he studied Biblical Principles; in 1999, he was ordained as an Elder, and six years later, he was ordained as a General Field Elder; and WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. is survived by his wife, Michelle; three children, LaKwan (Sylvia), Lance Jr., and Tiyahna; two grandchildren, Ronnie and Aubrey; his parents, Yvette (Ronald), and Juan; two sisters, Alesia (Jason), and Selina (Cedric); six brothers, Curtis, Tyler, Xzavier, Ronald Jr. (Ruby), Michael (Leslie) and Daniel Stewart; second mother, Elaine Lindsey; godmother, Maudell Lewis; two god brothers, Chad and Maurice; two special daughters, Lauryn and Taylor; and 10 godchildren, Shakeya, David Jr., Isaiah, Knaqui, Christian, Raquel, James, Zion, Angelo Jr., and Jonniece; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. will always be remembered as a comedian, who truly loved to make people laugh; he was also a barbecue master and an avid fan of the New York Knicks; and WHEREAS, Above all, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. cherished his beloved family; affectionately known as "PaPa" by his granddaughter, he was an unassuming young man who stood tall in the eyes of all who knew him; and WHEREAS, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God always gave enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr. leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the life and accomplishments of General Field Elder, Lance M. Reyes, Sr., and to express its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends who mourn his passing; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of General Field Elder Lance M. Reyes, Sr.