HLS 23RS-4225 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 294
BY REPRESENTATIVE LAFLEUR
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences on the death of Doveal Essex
1 A RESOLUTION
2To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Doveal
3 Austin Essex.
4 WHEREAS, Doveal Austin Essex was born Naomi Doveal Austin on May 9, 1921,
5in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, to Johnie Austin and Katie Cousin Austin; she was christened at
6Tasker's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Ponchatoula; and
7 WHEREAS, Doveal attended elementary school at Ponchatoula's Rosenwald School;
8she graduated from Kentwood Tangipahoa Parish Training School and enrolled at the
9formerly named Louisiana Negro Normal, now known as Grambling State University; she
10graduated in May 1945 with a bachelor of science degree in education and began her
11professional career as a teacher in Ponchatoula; she later earned a master's degree at the
12University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; and
13 WHEREAS, Doveal married Henry Leroy Essex on October 11, 1945; Mrs. Essex
14moved to Grambling to take a position at Grambling's Demonstration School where she
15taught until 1953; the Essex family increased with the birth of two daughters, Constant
16Elizabeth and Sylvia Marie; and
17 WHEREAS, the Essex family moved to Baton Rouge where Mrs. Essex worked as
18an elementary school teacher until she accepted a position at Southern University's College
19of Education; she worked at Southern University until her retirement, in 1976, after thirty
20years of dedicated service; and
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HR NO. 294
1 WHEREAS, Mrs. Essex was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville
2where she served as a Sunday School teacher and president of the Women of the Church; she
3also volunteered with Red Cross and Meals on Wheels; she was docent and member of the
4Louisiana Arts and Science Museum Board and held membership in the Gamma Eta Omega
5Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Inc.,
6and many other civic organizations; and
7 WHEREAS, Mrs. Essex was a recipient of the Silver Magnolia Award from the
8Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge for her community service; and
9 WHEREAS, Doveal Austin Essex was a true light in the Baton Rouge community;
10she gave selflessly to others throughout the course of her inspiring life, and she will be
11deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing in her beautiful light.
12 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
13Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of Doveal
14Austin Essex and does hereby extend sincerest wishes that her family, friends, and loved
15ones find comfort in their shared memories of her beautiful life.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 294 Original 2023 Regular Session LaFleur
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Doveal Austin
Essex.
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