ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 60
BY REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER
A RESOLUTION
To commend Doveal Austin Essex on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday.
WHEREAS, Naomi Doveal Austin was born on May 9, 1921, in Ponchatoula,
Louisiana, to Johnie Austin and Katie Cousin Austin; she was christened at Tasker's Chapel
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Ponchatoula; and
WHEREAS, Doveal attended elementary school at Ponchatoula's Rosenwald School;
she graduated from Kentwood Tangipahoa Parish Training School and enrolled at the
formerly named Louisiana Negro Normal, now known as Grambling State University; she
graduated in May 1945 with a bachelor of science degree in education and began her
professional career as a teacher in Ponchatoula; she later earned a master's degree at the
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; and
WHEREAS, Doveal married Henry Leroy Essex on October 11, 1945; Mrs. Essex
moved to Grambling to take a position at Grambling's Demonstration School where she
taught until 1953; the Essex family increased with the birth of two daughters, Constant
Elizabeth and Sylvia Marie; and
WHEREAS, the Essex family moved to Baton Rouge where Doveal worked as an
elementary school teacher until she accepted a position at Southern University's College of
Education; she worked at Southern University until her retirement, in 1976, after thirty years
of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, today, Mrs. Essex is a member of First Presbyterian Church of
Scotlandville where she serves as a Sunday School teacher and served as a past president of
the Women of the Church; she also volunteers with Red Cross and Meals on Wheels; she is
a docent and member of the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum Board and holds
membership in the Gamma Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the
Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Inc., and many other civic organizations; and
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 60 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, Mrs. Essex is a recipient of the Silver Magnolia Award from the
Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge for her community service; and
WHEREAS, Doveal Austin Essex is a true light in the Baton Rouge community; she
has selflessly given to others throughout the course of her inspiring life, and she is most
deserving of recognition.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Doveal Austin Essex on the occasion of her
one hundredth birthday; does hereby recognize Mrs. Essex's devotion to her community; and
does hereby extend sincere wishes that she continue to enjoy good health as a new member
of the exclusive club of Louisiana's centenarians.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Doveal Austin Essex.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2