Resolution 26-33

Requesting the Tennessee General Assembly to name the first bridge on State Route 50 West off Highway 100 in Hickman County after Frankye Jean Ward.

WHEREAS, Frankye Jean Ward worked hard in a factory before being hired to assist Jim Rice during his time as Circuit Court Clerk; and

WHEREAS, Frankye worked under Jim for several years before running for Circuit Court Clerk herself and was elected in 1998 and served until 2002; and

WHEREAS, with the African American population being roughly 7% at the time, Frankye achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American elected as a county official in Hickman County; and

WHEREAS, following Frankye's retirement from Circuit Court Clerk, she continued her dedication to our county by running for County Commissioner. She served as County Commissioner for the 5th and 6th District from 2002–2018; and

WHEREAS, Frankye is now in her 90th + years living in Hickman County, we feel she has earned and deserves to be recognized as a pillar in her community with the above-named bridge; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Hickman County, Tennessee, assembled in regular session this August 24, 2026 that:

SECTION 1: The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee is hereby respectfully requested, by legislation, to name the first bridge on State Route 50 West in Hickman County "Frankye Jean Ward Bridge", as a lasting tribute to Frankye's life of service to our County. Such legislation should also direct the Tennessee Department of Transportation to erect suitable markers at the bridge on State Route 50 West.

SECTION 2: The County Clerk of Hickman County is hereby directed to furnish certified copies of this resolution to the members of the Tennessee General Assembly that represent Hickman County, namely Jody Barrett and Kerry Roberts at their offices in Nashville, Tennessee. These members are respectfully asked to draft, sponsor and work for the passage of legislation which would enact this highway designation.

SECTION 3: The provisions of this resolution shall become effective upon its passage, the public welfare requiring it.

Sponsors: Devin Pickard, District 6; Ron Puckett, District 6

Board action: Adopted 12 yes, 2 absent (August 24, 2026).