Senate Resolution No. 2198
BY: Senator KENNEDY
MOURNING the death of Constance Bowles Eve,
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, Constance Bowles Eve died on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at
the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve, one of 10 children, was born to
Robert and Georgia W. Bowles in Havoco, West Virginia, on July 14, 1932;
graduating from high school at the age of 15, she was awarded a
scholarship for Oration, leading to obtaining Bachelor of Arts degrees
in English and drama from West Virginia State College, at the age of 19,
in 1952; continuing her education at New York University, she earned her
Master of Arts degree; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Constance Bowles Eve had been recognized for
her advanced work in speech education and was a Professor Emeritus in
English; and
WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve's professional positions included:
Assistant Librarian in the Research Division at New York University;
Assistant Professor of English and Drama and Director of the Little
Theater at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina;
Instructor of English in the Buffalo Public Schools; and Professor of
English at Erie Community College; and
WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve had numerous religious, professional,
political, civic, and service associations, including: Chairperson of
Stewardship and Member of the Vestry at St. Philip's Episcopal Church;
Member of the Episcopal Diocese Horns of Plenty Concert; and Member of
the Board of Directors of the Martin House Restoration Corporation; she
was also involved in the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Buffalo Council of
Churches; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Constance Bowles Eve founded and chaired Women for
Human Rights and Dignity (WHRD), Inc., which grew to eight programmatic
components; in 1991, the WHRD Development Corporation was established,
offering training, education, family counseling, and housing; and
WHEREAS, Dignity Circle was a transitional support program for
homeless women and children; "Movin' On," a structured program for
homeless women that provided educational, vocational, and counseling
services, and the Women's Residential Resource Center provided a
structured environment to women sent there directly from the courts as
an alternative to incarceration; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, two additional components, Dignity Village, a
replica of Dignity Circle, which provides housing and support services
for children and single mothers, and the Intergenerational Family
Preservation Program, which focuses on intergenerational family therapy,
community outreach, early childhood services, and day care, were
scheduled to be completed; and
WHEREAS, For her dedication and contributions to the community,
Constance Bowles Eve received countless awards, honors, and citations;
she was featured in national magazines and was named Buffalo News
Citizen of the Year in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Constance Bowles Eve is survived by her husband of 67
years, former Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Arthur O.
Eve; sons, Arthur O. Eve, Jr., Eric Vincent Eve, Martin King Eve, and
Malcolm X. Eve; and daughter, Leecia Roberta Eve; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Constance Bowles Eve 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 Constance Bowles Eve, 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 Constance Bowles Eve.
