SR277: SR277 Arnold, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall; condolences

25 LC 112 2906 Senate Resolution 277 By: Senator James of the 28th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold on January 26, 2025; and3 WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold was born on April 10, 1930, in Newnan,4 Georgia, a beloved daughter of Essie Mae and Milton Stegall; and5 WHEREAS, she was baptized at an early age at Dent Chapel A.M.E. Church and remained6 steadfast in her faith throughout her life, later becoming a de voted member of Saint John7 A.M.E. Church, where she served as a stewardess, an officer on the Steward Board, and a8 member of the Missionary Board Society; and9 WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold dedicated nearly 50 y ears of her life to10 serving the City of Fairburn, Georgia, where she worked, volunt eered, and contributed to11 many schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations, enriching the lives of countless12 individuals in her community; and13 S. R. 277 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2906 WHEREAS, she made history as the first African American city councilwoman of Fairburn,14 serving with distinction for 12 years and earning accolades suc h as the Council Member15 Outstanding Service Award and the Legacy Trailblazer Award in recognition of her lasting16 contributions; and17 WHEREAS, she was further invited to multiple presidential inaugural ceremonies, including18 those of Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and was the recipient19 of both the Commemorative Presidential Print Award and the Nati onal Resource Defense20 Council Award; and21 WHEREAS, a woman of boundless generosity and warmth, she was kn own for her22 hospitality, her legendary home-cooked Sunday dinners, and her ability to make anyone feel23 like family; and24 WHEREAS, she found joy in nurturing both her community and her garden, winning Yard25 of the Year multiple times and transforming her front yard into an unwritten landmark in26 Fairburn; and27 WHEREAS, she was united in love and marriage to her husband, La wrence, and together28 they were blessed with seven remarkable children, Lawrence, Alford Sr., Jane, Shanterria,29 Cheryl, Bobby, and Kimberly, as well as 22 wonderful grandchild ren and four beloved30 great-grandchildren; and31 WHEREAS, a compassionate and devoted woman, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold will32 long be remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed33 by all who had the great fortune of knowing her.34 S. R. 277 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2906 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body35 join in honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold and express their36 deepest and most sincere regret at her passing.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed38 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Essie39 Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold. 40 S. R. 277 - 3 -