Dorothy Barnes Pelote facts for kids

Dorothy Barnes Pelote (born December 30, 1929 – died January 18, 2015) was an important member of the Georgia House of Representatives. She worked hard to make a difference for people in her community and across Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Barnes Pelote was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on December 30, 1929. Her parents were Abraham Barnes and Ethel Green. She later married Maceo R. Pelote, and they had two daughters named Deborah and Miriam. Before she became a politician, Dorothy Barnes Pelote was a school teacher. She was also an African Methodist Episcopalian.

A Career in Public Service

Dorothy Barnes Pelote was a member of the Democratic Party. She first served as a Chatham County Commissioner. This meant she helped make decisions for the local government in Chatham County.

In 1992, she was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. She served for two years and was re-elected four more times! This shows how much people trusted her to represent them. She represented the 149th Representative District, which included parts of Savannah, Georgia.

Helping Others with Health

Dorothy Barnes Pelote was well-known for her efforts to help people learn about the dangers of ovarian cancer. She worked to make sure more people understood this serious health issue.

Honors and Achievements

Dorothy Barnes Pelote received many honors for her work. In 2006, the Georgia Legislature passed a special resolution. They decided to name the Dorothy Barnes Pelote Bridge after her to honor her service.

She also received several awards, including:

• The Carver Heights (Savannah, GA) Community Service Award in 1981–82.
• The Rep Roy Allen Award in 1982.
• Minority Women of the Year from Zeta Phi Beta in 1984.
• The City of Savannah and Chatham County declared a "Dorothy Pelote Day" in 1985.

She achieved many "firsts" in her career:

• She was the first woman to be elected as County Commissioner Chairman Pro Tem.
• She was one of the first Black women elected to the Chatham County Commission.
• She was appointed to the State Board of Postsecondary Vocational Education by the Governor of Georgia.
• She was selected as Vice President of the Black Caucus Association of County Commissions in Georgia.

Later Years

Dorothy Barnes Pelote passed away on January 18, 2015, at her home in Savannah, Georgia. She was 85 years old and was surrounded by her family. She is remembered for her dedication to public service and her community.

See also

• Georgia General Assembly
• Georgia House of Representatives
• Savannah, Georgia