Senate Resolution 438
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Parent of the 44th, Jackson of the 41st, Kemp of the 38th,
Harbison of the 15th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Dorothy Roberts Pirzad; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Dorothy Roberts Pirzad on March 6, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Roberts Pirzad was born on November 20, 1940, in Pulaski, Virginia,
a beloved daughter of Jesse Roberts and Juanita Costigan, and she was deeply influenced by
the wisdom and discipline of her grandmother, Bertha Costigan; and
WHEREAS, she dedicated her life to activism and advocacy, working for civil rights, world
peace, and compassionate care, including her service with the National Council of Churches
in Manhattan, where she helped organize civil rights action; and
WHEREAS, she was an original staff member of The Great Speckled Bird, using her voice
to speak truth to power, and she worked with the Vietnam Veterans Center in Atlanta, where
she counseled and advocated for veterans in need; and
WHEREAS, she was actively engaged in her community, serving as both a political and
personal organizer alongside Atlanta legislators and leaders while opening her home to
young people in need of shelter, care, and guidance; and
WHEREAS, she shared her entrepreneurial and creative talents through numerous ventures,
including founding Dragonwyck Wax Works in Washington, D.C., and later nurturing minds
and bodies through her paper flower art business in Midtown Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Roberts Pirzad was a beloved mother, grandmother, and
great-grandmother to Lisa, Lela, Nina, Angelica, Mickey, Audrey, and Welzie June,
nurturing their creativity, kindness, and curiosity about the world; and
WHEREAS, she formed deep and meaningful connections with friends and loved ones
across the world, filling her life with music, art, literature, and photography, capturing the
beauty of the world and those around her; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous woman, Dorothy Roberts Pirzad 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 Dorothy Roberts Pirzad 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
Dorothy Roberts Pirzad.