HR2079: HR2079 Arrington, Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

26 LC 129 9046 House Resolution 2079 By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Drenner of the 85th, Mitchell of the 88th, Kendrick of the 95th, Oliver of the 84th, and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Betty “Becky” Lou Ennis Arrington; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the members of this body pause to honor and remember t he life of Betty2 "Becky" Lou Ennis Arrington, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and3 faithful servant of her family, community, and state; and4 WHEREAS, Betty “Becky” Lou Ennis Arrington was born on May 16, 1936, in the5 Goodyear Mill Village in Atco, Georgia, the third of four child ren born to Tom Ennis of6 North Carolina and Minnie Clyde Ennis of Barneswille, Georgia; and7 WHEREAS, after her parents’ divorce when she was a young girl, Becky returned with her8 mother and sister to Barnesville, Georgia, where early hardship shaped in her a quiet9 strength, humility, resilience, and dignity that defined her character throughout her life; and10 WHEREAS, upon graduating high school, Becky moved to Atlanta to pursue opportunity11 and independence, beginning a career marked by diligence, integrity, and service in payroll,12 taxes, and administrative leadership, including work at Hartfor d Insurance, JCPenney,13 DeKalb County government, and later the Georgia State Capitol; and14 H. R. 2079 - 1 - 26 LC 129 9046 WHEREAS, on June 17, 1955, at the age of 19, Becky married the love of her life, Joe Boy15 Arrington, beginning a sacred union that endured for seventy ye ars and stood as a living16 testament to faithfulness, partnership, and devotion; and17 WHEREAS, Becky and Joe raised two children, Scott Arrington and Amy Jo Arrington18 Powers, instilling in them the enduring values of compassion, responsibility, faith, education,19 and the Golden Rule-“to treat others as you would want to be treated”; and20 WHEREAS, Becky exemplified the strength of working women long b efore such efforts21 were widely recognized, balancing employment with motherhood in ways that ensured her22 children were always nurtured, supported, and guided, rejecting the notion that care could23 be delegated when presence mattered most; and24 WHEREAS, after retiring from JCPenney, following more than twenty-five years of service,25 Becky continued to serve her community as a chief of staff to a DeKalb County26 Commissioner and later as a seasonal staff member at the Georgia State Capitol well into her27 late seventies, admired for her professionalism, work ethic, and kindness; and28 WHEREAS, Becky's generosity extended far beyond her professional life, as she was known29 for baking and sharing homemade cakes, cookies, and pastries–often giving away more than30 she sold–using her gifts to bring joy, welcome neighbors, comfo rt children, and build31 community wherever she lived; and32 WHEREAS, Becky faced physical challenges later in life with courage and determination,33 meeting surgeries and rehabilitation with remarkable resolve, inspiring all who witnessed her34 perseverance and unwavering spirit; and35 H. R. 2079 - 2 - 26 LC 129 9046 WHEREAS, a woman of faith, Becky lived her life in quiet servic e, humility, and love,36 embodying the virtues celebrated in Proverbs 31:10-31, and leaving a legacy that reflects a37 life well lived and deeply cherished; and38 WHEREAS, Becky departed this life on December 22, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind39 her devoted husband Joe Arrington, her children and their spous es, as well as her40 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and countl ess friends and neighbors41 whose lives were enriched by her presence.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that43 the members of this body honor the life, service, and memory of Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis44 Arrington, and extend its deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized46 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the47 family of Betty "Becky" Lou Ennis Arrington.48 H. R. 2079 - 3 -