25 LC 112 2905
House Resolution 226
By: Representatives Glaize of the 67
th
and Jackson of the 68
th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2
with the passing of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold on January 26, 2025; and3
WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold was born on April 10, 1930, in Newnan,4
Georgia, a beloved daughter of Essie Mae and Milton Stegall; and5
WHEREAS, she was baptized at an early age at Dent Chapel A.M.E. Church and remained6
steadfast in her faith throughout her life, later becoming a devoted member of Saint John7
A.M.E. Church, where she served as a stewardess, an officer on the Steward Board, and a8
member of the Missionary Board Society; and9
WHEREAS, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to10
serving the City of Fairburn, Georgia, where she worked, volunteered, and contributed to11
many schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations, enriching the lives of countless12
individuals in her community; and13
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WHEREAS, she made history as the first African American city councilwoman of Fairburn,
14
serving with distinction for 12 years and earning accolades such as the Council Member15
Outstanding Service Award and the Legacy Trailblazer Award in recognition of her lasting16
contributions; and17
WHEREAS, she was further invited to multiple presidential inaugural ceremonies, including18
those of Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and was the recipient19
of both the Commemorative Presidential Print Award and the National Resource Defense20
Council Award; and21
WHEREAS, a woman of boundless generosity and warmth, she was known for her22
hospitality, her legendary home-cooked Sunday dinners, and her ability to make anyone feel23
like family; and24
WHEREAS, she found joy in nurturing both her community and her garden, winning Yard25
of the Year multiple times and transforming her front yard into an unwritten landmark in26
Fairburn; and27
WHEREAS, she was united in love and marriage to her husband, Lawrence, and together28
they were blessed with seven remarkable children, Lawrence, Alford Sr., Jane, Shanterria,29
Cheryl, Bobby, and Kimberly, as well as 22 wonderful grandchildren and four beloved30
great-grandchildren; and31
WHEREAS, a compassionate and devoted woman, Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold will32
long be remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed33
by all who had the great fortune of knowing her.34
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
35
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall36
Arnold and express their deepest and most sincere regret at her passing.37
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the39
family of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold.40
H. R. 226
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