HR228: HR228 Duke, Nellie Dunaway; condolences

This resolution is a formal tribute from the Georgia House of Representatives marking the death of Nellie Dunaway Duke on January 28, 2025. It recounts her life story, from her childhood in Cave Springs and Rome, Georgia, through her marriage to Henry Duke, her work in Christian education and community service, and her decades-long advocacy for women's rights, including her role in Georgia's effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and her leadership of the Georgia Commission on Women. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply expresses the House's condolences and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to her family.

• Formally recognizes and honors the life of Nellie Dunaway Duke on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Expresses the House's regret and sympathy over her passing on January 28, 2025.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to her family.

This resolution directly names and honors Nellie Dunaway Duke and her family, including her children and grandchildren. It does not create obligations for the public, businesses, or government agencies beyond the Clerk of the House's task of distributing the document.

The resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect; it is a ceremonial gesture. Its practical significance is limited to publicly recording the legislature's recognition of Duke's life and providing her family with an official copy honoring her.

• The resolution's preamble (the 'whereas' clauses) recounts Duke's biography, including her advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment and her role as chair of the Georgia Commission on Women.
• The first resolving clause has the House of Representatives join in honoring her life and expressing sincere regret at her passing.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to her family.

1. 2025-02-11House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-11House Hopper (House)

• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)Primary sponsor
• Karen Bennett (D, HD-094)
• Debra Bazemore (D, HD-069)
• Tanya Miller (D, HD-062)
• Park Cannon (D, HD-058)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)

• condolence resolution
• women's rights history
• Georgia Commission on Women
• Equal Rights Amendment