SR1098: SR1098 Davenport, Helen Odessa Dixon; condolences

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recounts the life of Helen Odessa Dixon Davenport, who was born in Jonesboro, Georgia in 1926, graduated from Jonesboro Colored High School, earned degrees from Clark College and Atlanta University, and taught for 38 years in the Clayton County Public School System before retiring in 1990. The resolution notes she worked at the Atlanta Army Depot during World War II to help pay for college, was active for decades at Andrews United Methodist Church in Jonesboro, and received several community awards. It formally expresses the Senate's regret at her passing on December 5, 2024, at age 98, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to her family.

• Formally honors the life and memory of Helen Odessa Dixon Davenport on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
• Expresses the Georgia Senate's official regret over her death on December 5, 2024, at age 98.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement of the Senate.

The resolution directly concerns the family of Helen Odessa Dixon Davenport, including her daughter, state Senator Gail Davenport, and does not impose obligations on the public beyond directing the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy to the family.

The resolution has no effect on Georgia law or public policy; its significance is symbolic, giving official Senate recognition to a Clayton County educator's life and providing her family with a formal record of that tribute.

• The whereas clauses recount her birth in Jonesboro in 1926, her education at Clark College and Atlanta University, and her 38-year teaching career in Clayton County schools.
• The resolved clause has the Senate honor her memory on her posthumous 100th birthday and note her death on December 5, 2024.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to her family.

1. 2026-04-02Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-04-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)Primary sponsor
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)

• Georgia Senate resolution
• condolences
• Clayton County
• education