LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Sarah Delores Lawson,
loving mother 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sarah Delores Lawson of Albany, New York, died on Tuesday,
February 18, 2014, at the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 20, 1959, to Gladys E. McDonald and the late
Ernest McDonald in Shabuta, Mississippi, Sarah graduated from Beat Four
High School, and attended Bethlehem Baptist Church in Waynesboro,
Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Sarah D. Lawson became a member of New Life Church of Christ
when she moved from Mississippi to Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, As an active member, Sarah D. Lawson served as the Church
Announcer and Secretary of the Sunday School; she was also a member of
the choir, Second Chance Ministry, the Building Fund, and the Pastor's
Aide Committees; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Sarah married Zebedee Lawson, Sr. and was the proud
mother of four children; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Sarah D. Lawson was employed by St. Peter's Hospital, prior
to working for Hannaford Supermarkets for 19 years; and
WHEREAS, Sarah D. Lawson's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; she served as past secretary for the Albany
Housing Authority Tenant's Association; and
WHEREAS, A truly genuine person who wore her heart on her sleeve,
Sarah D. Lawson was always willing to help anyone in need; she had a
great love for family, especially her grandchildren, and she loved to
cook, play spades and bingo, and host family gatherings; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her father, Sarah D. Lawson was predeceased by
a brother, Ernest McDonald, Jr.; a sister, Bernice Satcher; a sister-in-
law, Sheila Lawson; and four brothers-in-law, Richard, George, Henry,
and Alex Lawson; she is survived by her mother, Gladys E. McDonald;
husband, Zebedee Lawson, Sr.; four children, Michael McGill, Darnell
(Katie) McDonald, Zebedee Lawson, Jr., and Zandeanna Lawson; seven
grandchildren, Michael Jr., Mikeal, Michael Ill, Keonte, Amaiya,
Jasmine, and Deliah; eight sisters, Patricia, Gloria, Denise (David),
Charlotte, Lynette (Sam), Tina, Shirley, and Linda (Kilbley); and five
brothers, Danny (Angela), Johnny (Kimberly), Levon, Herman (Nicky) and
Willie James; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends;
and
WHEREAS, In the words of Robert Ingersoll concerning the death of a
loved one: "If everyone to whom she rendered some loving service were to
bring but one blossom to the grave, she would sleep beneath a wilderness
of flowers"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of Sarah Delores Lawson, whose unselfish concern for
the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those fortunate to have
called her family and friend, and to express its deepest condolences to
her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sarah Delores Lawson.