Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 226: Arnold, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall; condolences

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 10, 2025 · Passed

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House Resolution 226

By: Representatives Glaize of the 67th and Jackson of the 68th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold on January 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold was born on April 10, 1930, in Newnan, Georgia, a beloved daughter of Essie Mae and Milton Stegall; and

WHEREAS, she was baptized at an early age at Dent Chapel A.M.E. Church and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life, later becoming a devoted member of Saint John A.M.E. Church, where she served as a stewardess, an officer on the Steward Board, and a member of the Missionary Board Society; and

WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to serving the City of Fairburn, Georgia, where she worked, volunteered, and contributed to many schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations, enriching the lives of countless individuals in her community; and

WHEREAS, she made history as the first African American city councilwoman of Fairburn, serving with distinction for 12 years and earning accolades such as the Council Member Outstanding Service Award and the Legacy Trailblazer Award in recognition of her lasting contributions; and

WHEREAS, she was further invited to multiple presidential inaugural ceremonies, including those of Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and was the recipient of both the Commemorative Presidential Print Award and the National Resource Defense Council Award; and

WHEREAS, a woman of boundless generosity and warmth, she was known for her hospitality, her legendary home-cooked Sunday dinners, and her ability to make anyone feel like family; and

WHEREAS, she found joy in nurturing both her community and her garden, winning Yard of the Year multiple times and transforming her front yard into an unwritten landmark in Fairburn; and

WHEREAS, she was united in love and marriage to her husband, Lawrence, and together they were blessed with seven remarkable children, Lawrence, Alford Sr., Jane, Shanterria, Cheryl, Bobby, and Kimberly, as well as 22 wonderful grandchildren and four beloved great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and devoted woman, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold will long be remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing her.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold and express their deepest and most sincere regret at her passing. 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 Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold.