SR543: SR543 Beatles, Mother Willie Bell; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Mother Willie Bell Beatles, born March 14, 1928, in Fayette County, Georgia, who turned 97 this year. The resolution highlights her large family, her 68 years living in the Thomasville community, and her 71 years worshiping at First Mount Selah Baptist Church, where she serves on the Mother's Board. The Senate formally commends her for her service to her family and community and congratulates her on her birthday. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for her, so she has a keepsake of the honor. The resolution creates no new rules, funding, or penalties.

• Formally commends Mother Willie Bell Beatles for her service to her family and the Thomasville community.
• Congratulates her on turning 97 years old and extends the Senate's best wishes for her continued health and happiness.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to her.
• Creates no changes to Georgia law, funding, or regulations, as a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution directly names and honors Mother Willie Bell Beatles and references her family, including her 10 children, 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, as well as her congregation at First Mount Selah Baptist Church in Thomasville.

The resolution has no legal or regulatory effect; its significance is symbolic. It gives Mother Willie Bell Beatles and her family and community an official, public recognition from the Georgia Senate marking her 97th birthday and long service to her church and community.

• The whereas clauses recount her birth date, family size, and 68 years of residence in Thomasville and 71 years of membership at First Mount Selah Baptist Church.
• The resolving clause formally commends and congratulates her on behalf of the Senate.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to her as a keepsake.

1. 2025-04-04Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-04-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)Primary sponsor
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)

• Senate resolution
• community recognition
• Thomasville
• Georgia Senate honors