Honor Leila Dyce’s 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 2995 BY: Senator COMRIE CONGRATULATING Leila Aquilla Dyce upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Leila 'Lilla' Aquilla Dyce upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 2020; and WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce was born on March 29, 1920, in Berrydale, Portland, Jamaica, West Indies; and WHEREAS, While in Portland, Leila Aquilla Dyce was an entrepreneur, running her own business selling local goods in the community for many years; and WHEREAS, Upon moving to New York and becoming a citizen of the United States, Leila Aquilla Dyce has resided in Queens; and WHEREAS, Since 1980, Leila Aquilla Dyce has been a pillar of her local church, the Jamaica Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church; this remarkable woman has a passion for people, family and her church; she is known at SDA as a mother, prayer warrior, and active member of the ladies ministry; and WHEREAS, Over the years her hobbies have included singing, reciting poetry, baking coconut drops, enjoying good music and wearing her favorite color, pink; the things that she holds dearest are her passion for God, helping children and the less fortunate; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her 10 children, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; Leila Aquilla Dyce is an inspiration to communities in New York and in Jamaica; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Leila Aquilla Dyce always has a smile, a humble spirit and a word of encouragement for anyone; today we celebrate a woman of great faith and a true blessing to this world; and WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce, with her zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, Leila Aquilla Dyce has enriched the lives of those around her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Leila Aquilla Dyce upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Leila Aquilla Dyce.