Senate Resolution No. 506

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Aracely Courtenay,
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 endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Aracely Courtenay of Brooklyn, New York, died on February
18, 2023 at the age of 50 years old; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1973, Aracely Courtenay is a native of the Republic
of Panama and is a dynamic woman with a passion for assisting the women
of her community; and

WHEREAS, Aracely Courtenay's passion for women's issues was birthed
during her tenure as a property manager; her message for women
everywhere is that no matter what difficulties may arise in a person's
life, the individual can rise above it; and

WHEREAS, Paster Aracely Courtenay led worship at the Emmanuel Church
of God in Brooklyn, New York, alongside her husband, Senior Pastor
Bishop Curt Courtenay; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Aracely Courtenay led the Talitha Cumi Women's
Ministry, which translates to "Damsel Arise"; it embodied her vision for
women; and

WHEREAS, Holding eight years of experience in the field of property
management and coordinated housing for low and moderate-income families,
especially for single mothers, Pastor Aracely Courtenay was truly
devoted to helping women and the community; and

WHEREAS, As a full-time minister, Pastor Aracely Courtenay dedicated
her life to encouraging, counseling, and assisting women of all ages to
arise out of their situations; she is an inspiration, because of her
unique perspectives that allowed her to relate to those who looked to
her for advice and assistance; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Aracely Courtenay's expertise was instrumental in
developing upcoming ministers to become community conscious, in a time
where fear and uncertainty about the future arose in the community; and

WHEREAS, Having served to coordinate local and international food
and clothing drives, as well as a yearly back-to-school drive that
distributes free school supplies to the community, Aracely Courtenay was
a vibrant light to her community and all those she touched throughout
her lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Aracely Courtenay's commitment to excellence, and her
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and


WHEREAS, Aracely Courtenay is survived by her three children: Gesai,
Curt Jr., and Kayris, whom she deeply cherished; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Aracely Courtenay 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 Aracely Courtenay; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Aracely Courtenay.