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.
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 SENATE 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 Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Essie
Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold.