I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff on Friday, November 22, 2024, on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, the cities of Demopolis and Linden and throughout Marengo County, to honor the life of former State Senator Frances Webb Strong, who passed away at the age of 93 on November 14, 2024.

State Senator Frances Webb Strong, also known as “Sister” among her family and friends, was a lifelong resident of Demopolis. A graduate of The University of Alabama and the holder of a master’s degree in education from Livingston University, she notched a near 20-year career teaching students from kindergarten to college. She is also credited with founding a successful girl’s athletic program in Demopolis City Schools. In 1983, she ran a historic race for state senate becoming the first woman to be elected as a Democrat to serve in that body. During her time in the Legislature, Senator Frances Webb Strong was noted for her advocacy of education and also for her partnership in the passage of the Davis-Strong Act, establishing the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. She also served on the State Elections Commission and the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee.

I therefore authorize flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in the cities of Demopolis and Linden and throughout Marengo County, may be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the day of Senator Frances Webb Strong’s interment, November 22, 2024.