City Council:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
MRS. EVELYN PAULA NELSON YOUNG
Whereas, the great City of Mount Vernon, NY joins together to celebrate the life and legacy of MRS. EVELYN PAULA NELSON YOUNG, former First Mother of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, MRS. EVELYN PAULA NELSON YOUNG was born on May 2, 1922, in Charleston, South Carolina, to her devoted mother, Mrs. Mable Nelson, and was called home on Christmas Eve at the extraordinary age of 102; and
Whereas, Mrs. Young was a proud graduate of Burke High School, where she excelled as an honor student and basketball player, and she pursued higher education at Allen University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, later completing a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Her remarkable career in education spanned more than 40 years, during which she served as an elementary school teacher in Charleston, at Alabama State University Laboratory School, and in the Mount Vernon, NY Public School System, where she was renowned for her dedication to academic excellence and her lasting impact on students; and
Whereas, Mrs. Young married the love of her life, Dr. Clinton I. Young, Sr., on June 12, 1946, they raised four children - Anne, Clinton, Jr., Carol, and Mary - imbued them with Christian values, a deep sense of community, and a steadfast commitment to God and service. Mrs. Young was a pillar of her faith communities, dedicating herself to service at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, St. John A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, and for 59 years, Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and Chair of the Deacon Board. Mrs. Young was celebrated for her culinary talents, her passion for quilting and bridge, and her love for travel, leaving a legacy of warmth, hospitality, and cherished family traditions; and
Whereas, Mrs. Young leaves behind her beloved children, Clinton, Jr., Carol, and Mary, grandson Ernest Amadi Nwanagu, Jr., sons-in-law Ernest A. Nwanagu, Sr. and Eric Graves, and a host of family, friends, and her church community, while being predeceased by her husband, Dr. Clinton I. Young, Sr., daughter Anne Young-Berkeley, and granddaughter Devin Nwanagu; Now, Therefore, be it
Resolved, that we honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Mrs. Evelyn Paula Nelson Young, whose dedication to faith, family, education, and community has left an indelible mark on all who were privileged to know her. This resolution is a lasting tribute to her enduring legacy, ensuring that her life’s work and values will continue to inspire future generations.