Honor Lois Dabney's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 841 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Lois Dabney, compassionate social worker, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Lois Dabney, an extraordinary woman of indomitable dedication whose purposeful life will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and WHEREAS, Lois Dabney, former resident of Buffalo, New York, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018, at the age of 95; she will fondly be remembered for her extraordinary work as a social worker who served as an advocate on behalf of foster parenting and young people with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, Lois Blayton was born on November 1, 1923, in Washington, D.C.; after earning her bachelor's degree from Spelman College in 1945, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as a social worker for the Friendly Inn Resident Settlement House; and WHEREAS, Lois Blayton furthered her education by obtaining her master's degree in social science administration from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Western Reserve University, now Case Western Reserve; and WHEREAS, In September of 1949, Lois Blayton married the late Dr. Oliver J. Dabney; after he completed his military service in the United States Air Force in 1952, they moved to the Buffalo, New York, area where she was employed at both Friendship House in Lackawanna and Neighborhood House in Buffalo's Fruit Belt; and WHEREAS, Lois Dabney became a social worker for the Children's Aid Society in 1961, then worked for Child and Family Services until 1968, when she took a position at the West Seneca Developmental Center; after

25 years of service, she officially retired in 1993, as an affirmative action officer; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her Hamlin Park neighborhood and her profession, Lois Dabney held various leadership posts in the Buffalo Branch and the American Association of University Women, and served as an advisory committee member of the United Negro College Fund, and on the board of the Blue Rose Foundation, which provides support for those with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was also a member of the Buffalo Urban League, the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and the Know Your Neighbor Panel, a volunteer group of women who promoted better human relations through education; and WHEREAS, Lois Dabney was active with the Girl Friends Inc. and the Girl Friends Foundation Scholarship Program, the United Foster Care Parents Association, the New York Association and Academy of Certified Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers and the Mental Health Association; and WHEREAS, For her tireless commitment and exceptional contributions to society, Lois Dabney was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the YWCA Woman of the Year Award and a special award from the Junior League of Buffalo for foster parent recruitment; she also received an Achievement Award by the American Association of University Women, and was recognized by its Committee on Women for her work in promoting day care centers; and WHEREAS, When she was not helping someone, Lois Dabney enjoyed spending time with her family at the Chautauqua Institution, and loved to paint with watercolors and oil, and create pieces of enameled art; and WHEREAS, Lois Dabney is survived by her three loving daughters, Anita E., Margaret S. and Olivia L.; a devoted sister, Gwendolyn Robinson; and two treasured granddaughters, as well as numerous friends and colleagues who will long cherish her memory; and WHEREAS, Through her boundless energy and profound words of wisdom, Lois Dabney's legacy of true grace and infinite selflessness and kindness, will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing and dynamic woman; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Lois Dabney, compassionate social worker, 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 Lois Dabney.