HR549: HR549 Bevington, Paula Lawton; condolences

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives marking the death of Paula Lawton Bevington on August 4, 2024. It recounts her life story: her birth in Cleveland, Ohio, her education at St. Mary's College and Yale Law School, her work as the first woman associate hired by an Atlanta law firm, her Peace Corps and Fulbright experience, her career at Servidyne and SciTrek, and her civic leadership roles including chairing the Georgia Human Relations Commission and serving as the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply resolves that House members join in honoring her memory and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to her family.

• Formally states that the House of Representatives honors the life and memory of Paula Lawton Bevington and expresses regret at her passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to her family.
• Recites biographical details about her education, career, and civic leadership as the basis for the tribute.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or appropriate any state funding.

This resolution directly affects the family of Paula Lawton Bevington, who will receive an official copy, and involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who is tasked with preparing it. It has no broader regulatory effect on other Georgians.

For the family and community of Paula Lawton Bevington, this resolution provides a formal, public record of her life and the legislature's recognition of her contributions. It carries symbolic rather than legal weight and does not affect any other Georgians' rights or obligations.

• The whereas clauses detail her birth, education at St. Mary's College and Yale Law School, and early legal career as the first woman associate at an Atlanta law firm.
• The whereas clauses describe her Peace Corps service, Fulbright research in Venezuela, and later career at Servidyne and SciTrek.
• The whereas clauses list her civic leadership, including chairing the Georgia Human Relations Commission and serving as the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta.
• The resolved clause states the House's intent to honor her memory and express condolences.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for her family.

1. 2025-03-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-06House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-06House Hopper (House)

• Scott Holcomb (D, HD-101)Primary sponsor
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Tanya Miller (D, HD-062)
• Anne Westbrook (D, HD-163)
• Shea Roberts (D, HD-052)
• Dar'shun Kendrick (D, HD-095)

• condolence resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives
• Atlanta civic leaders
• legal history