SR767: SR767 Shearouse, Celeste Coleman; condolences

This is a memorial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate. It does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it formally recognizes the life of Celeste Coleman Shearouse, a Savannah resident who died on January 30, 2026, describing her family, her 37 years of service with St. Joseph's Candler Hospital, her volunteer work with SAFE KIDS Savannah, and her role co-founding the St. Vincent's 1845 Foundation and the St. Vincent's Athletic Association. The resolution states that the Senate joins in honoring her memory and expresses regret at her passing. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to her family.

• Formally expresses the Georgia Senate's condolences on the death of Celeste Coleman Shearouse of Savannah.
• Recounts her family background, career at St. Joseph's Candler Hospital, and volunteer and philanthropic work in the Savannah area.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law.

This resolution directly names and honors Celeste Coleman Shearouse and her family, including her husband, children, and grandchildren. It also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who is tasked with distributing a copy of the resolution to the family.

The resolution has no effect on Georgia law or policy. Its practical significance is limited to providing an official Senate acknowledgment of Shearouse's life and community contributions, which her family will receive as a formal keepsake.

• The preamble (WHEREAS clauses) details Shearouse's birth, family, marriage, children, grandchildren, and community contributions.
• The first resolving clause has the Senate join in honoring her life and memory and expressing regret at her passing.
• The second resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to her family.

1. 2026-02-17Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-12Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)Primary sponsor
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)

• Georgia Senate resolution
• condolence resolution
• Savannah
• memorial tribute