HR1198: HR1198 High, Mother Essie Lee Harden; honoring the life and memory; condolences

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any law. Instead, it formally recognizes the life of Mother Essie Lee Harden High, who was born in Monroe County, Georgia, in 1930 and passed away on January 24, 2026. The resolution describes her faith, her church involvement, her character, and her devotion to family and community. It resolves that House members join in honoring her memory and expressing their condolences, and it directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to her family.

• Formally honors the life and memory of Mother Essie Lee Harden High, who died January 24, 2026.
• Expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to her family over her passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.
• Makes no changes to Georgia law, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill.

The resolution directly names the family of Mother Essie Lee Harden High, who will receive a copy of it. It also reflects the House of Representatives' collective expression of sympathy, but it creates no obligations for the public.

The resolution carries symbolic rather than legal weight. Its main real-world effect is providing the Harden High family with an official record of the legislature's recognition and condolences following her death.

• The preamble recounts her birth in Monroe County on October 26, 1930, her family background, church involvement, and personal character.
• The first resolving clause has House members join in honoring her memory and expressing regret at her passing.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide a copy of the resolution to her family.

1. 2026-02-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-02House Hopper (House)

• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)Primary sponsor
• Mekyah McQueen (D, HD-061)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Robert Dawson (D, HD-065)

• memorial resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives
• Monroe County
• condolences