Senate Resolution No. 1769

BY: Senator BAILEY

MOURNING the death of Luciel Boles-Wilson,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Luciel Boles-Wilson was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Luciel Boles-Wilson, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Luciel Ponder was born in the Bronx, New York, to Nelson
and Estelle Ponder on August 28, 1947; growing up she had a passion for
mathematics and problem solving; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School,
Luciel Boles-Wilson began working with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she
would spend the next 30 years working as a project manager; during her
illustrious tenure, she contributed greatly to the company by
implementing new processes and systems, creating some of the most
fulfilling moments in her career; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Luciel met her first husband, Russell M.
Boles Sr., and together they had two children, Bonita Ponder and Russell
M. Boles Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Luciel was later remarried to her second husband, Austin
Wilson, who aided in raising her first grandchild, Walter J. Redden; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, Luciel
Boles-Wilson started a small business from her Co-Op City apartment
named Walter's Grandmother Summer Daycare and After School Program where
she went on to nurture countless children in her community; and

WHEREAS, Luciel Boles-Wilson also gave tirelessly of her time and
energies as a volunteer at the R.A.I.N Nereid Center and Bronx Health
Corporation where she discovered her passion for helping other senior
citizens; and

WHEREAS, Through her volunteer work, Luciel Boles-Wilson was
recognized by the Bronx Borough President's office as The Poet of the
Bronx, for sharing her poetry everywhere she went; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her beloved
community, Luciel Boles-Wilson was a New York Cares Volunteer with Arts
Works Museum Guild for learning leaders; Sigma Gamma Rho Philo
Affiliates-Chaplin; Senior Tasks Force member with Center Light at Beth
Abraham, Bronx; Wakefield Taxpayers Civil League Member; and Senior
Advocate and Writing Workshop Coordinator at R.A.I.N Nereid Senior
Center; and


WHEREAS, A woman of indomitable faith and dedication, Luciel
Boles-Wilson was a Sunday School Teacher at Community Protestant Church
in the Bronx under the Leadership of Reverend Calvin E. Owens, and an
active member of Soundview Avenue Baptist Church for a few years under
the Leadership of Reverend Marjorie Batson; and

WHEREAS, Luciel Boles-Wilson went on to become an active member of
United Christian Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend
Reginald Paris, during which time she was a member of the congregation's
Lords Choir and later became the vice-president of the choir; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Luciel was a dedicated Sunday School member
before becoming the Children's School Teacher and Superintendent; she
truly loved working with the children, providing them with breakfast at
church and taking them out to community events; and

WHEREAS, Preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and children,
Luciel Boles-Wilson is survived by her grandchildren, Russell Boles,
Randolph Davis, Donovan Hines, Nia Boles, and Russia Boles; and
great-grandson, Dante Redden; and

WHEREAS, Luciel Boles-Wilson's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Luciel Boles-Wilson leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Luciel Boles-Wilson, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Luciel Boles-Wilson.