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.