ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 294
BY REPRESENTATIVE LAFLEUR
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Doveal
Austin Essex.
WHEREAS, Doveal Austin Essex was born Naomi Doveal Austin 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 Mrs. Essex 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, Mrs. Essex was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville
where she served as a Sunday School teacher and president of the Women of the Church; she
also volunteered with Red Cross and Meals on Wheels; she was docent and member of the
Louisiana Arts and Science Museum Board and held 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
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WHEREAS, Mrs. Essex was 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 was a true light in the Baton Rouge community;
she gave selflessly to others throughout the course of her inspiring life, and she will be
deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing in her beautiful light.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of Doveal
Austin Essex and does hereby extend sincerest wishes that her family, friends, and loved
ones find comfort in their shared memories of her beautiful life.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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