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.