HR 2079: Arrington, Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

House Resolution 2079

By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Drenner of the 85th, Mitchell of the 88th, Kendrick of the 95th, Oliver of the 84th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Betty “Becky” Lou Ennis Arrington; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the members of this body pause to honor and remember the life of Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis Arrington, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of her family, community, and state; and

WHEREAS, Betty “Becky” Lou Ennis Arrington was born on May 16, 1936, in the Goodyear Mill Village in Atco, Georgia, the third of four children born to Tom Ennis of North Carolina and Minnie Clyde Ennis of Barneswille, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, after her parents’ divorce when she was a young girl, Becky returned with her mother and sister to Barnesville, Georgia, where early hardship shaped in her a quiet strength, humility, resilience, and dignity that defined her character throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, upon graduating high school, Becky moved to Atlanta to pursue opportunity and independence, beginning a career marked by diligence, integrity, and service in payroll, taxes, and administrative leadership, including work at Hartford Insurance, JCPenney, DeKalb County government, and later the Georgia State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, on June 17, 1955, at the age of 19, Becky married the love of her life, Joe Boy Arrington, beginning a sacred union that endured for seventy years and stood as a living testament to faithfulness, partnership, and devotion; and

WHEREAS, Becky and Joe raised two children, Scott Arrington and Amy Jo Arrington Powers, instilling in them the enduring values of compassion, responsibility, faith, education, and the Golden Rule-“to treat others as you would want to be treated”; and

WHEREAS, Becky exemplified the strength of working women long before such efforts were widely recognized, balancing employment with motherhood in ways that ensured her children were always nurtured, supported, and guided, rejecting the notion that care could be delegated when presence mattered most; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from JCPenney, following more than twenty-five years of service, Becky continued to serve her community as a chief of staff to a DeKalb County Commissioner and later as a seasonal staff member at the Georgia State Capitol well into her late seventies, admired for her professionalism, work ethic, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Becky's generosity extended far beyond her professional life, as she was known for baking and sharing homemade cakes, cookies, and pastries–often giving away more than she sold–using her gifts to bring joy, welcome neighbors, comfort children, and build community wherever she lived; and

WHEREAS, Becky faced physical challenges later in life with courage and determination, meeting surgeries and rehabilitation with remarkable resolve, inspiring all who witnessed her perseverance and unwavering spirit; and

WHEREAS, a woman of faith, Becky lived her life in quiet service, humility, and love, embodying the virtues celebrated in Proverbs 31:10-31, and leaving a legacy that reflects a life well lived and deeply cherished; and

WHEREAS, Becky departed this life on December 22, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind her devoted husband Joe Arrington, her children and their spouses, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends and neighbors whose lives were enriched by her presence.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor the life, service, and memory of Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis Arrington, and extend its deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis Arrington.