SR277: SR277 Arnold, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall; condolences

This resolution is a formal tribute passed by the Georgia Senate to honor Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold, a longtime resident of Fairburn, Georgia, who passed away on January 26, 2025. It recounts her life story, including her decades of service to the City of Fairburn, her role as the city's first African American city councilwoman, her church activities, and her family life. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply expresses the Senate's condolences and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to Arnold's family.

• Formally expresses the Senate's regret over the death of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold and honors her life and legacy.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Arnold's family.
• Recites her biography and civic contributions as a matter of official legislative record, including her 12 years as Fairburn's first African American city councilwoman.

This resolution directly affects the family of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold, who will receive a copy of the resolution, and reflects recognition by the Georgia Senate of her civic contributions to the City of Fairburn.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it creates an official public record of the Senate's recognition of a local civic leader's life and community contributions.

• The preamble recounts Arnold's life, including her birth in Newnan, Georgia in 1930 and her death on January 26, 2025.
• Notes she served 12 years as Fairburn's first African American city councilwoman and received several civic awards.
• The resolved clause has the Senate formally honor her memory and express regret at her passing.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to her family.

1. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor

• condolence resolution
• Fairburn Georgia
• Georgia Senate
• civic leaders