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HJR 322

Memorials, Death - Lena Josephine Belesteri Davis -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

A ceremonial Tennessee resolution honoring Lena Josephine Balesteri Davis of Franklin for her public service and character, with condolences to her family.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 322

Summary of House Joint Resolution 322 (HJR 322)

Overview

HJR 322 is a joint resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly designed to memorialize and honor the life and public service of Lena Josephine Balesteri Davis of Franklin. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create or modify statutory obligations. It expresses sympathy to Mrs. Davis’s family and requests that an appropriate memorial copy be prepared for presentation. The resolution was introduced on March 7, 2025, and was signed by the Governor on March 26, 2025, following standard legislative processing.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize Lena Josephine Balesteri Davis for her integrity, public service, and family-centered values.
  • Pay tribute to her character and lifelong commitment to the community.
  • Convey condolences to her family and acknowledge her lasting legacy.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Summary

  • The resolution “honors the memory” of Lena Josephine Balesteri Davis and reflects on her character and commitment to living a principled life.
  • It notes her ties to Franklin, Tennessee, and recounts some biographical details, including:
    • Birth in Monterey, California to Santo and Frances Balesteri.
    • Education at Monterey High School.
    • Career in accounting and as an executive administrative assistant to presidents of Chicago Printed String (CPS) in Franklin; retirement in 2000.
    • A long marriage to Walter J. “Joey” Davis (63 years) and four children/grandchildren, including James, Richard, and Todd Davis; grandchildren and a great-grandchild are named in the record.
    • Surviving family members and dedicated caregivers are acknowledged.
  • It expresses sympathy and condolences to the Davis family.
  • The resolution includes language directing that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation. It also provides for the copy to omit the final presentation clause when delivered and for the language appearing after the State seal to appear without House or Senate designation, per customary memorial formatting.

Beneficiaries and Impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Lena Josephine Balesteri Davis and her immediate family and descendants.
  • Secondary/broader impact: Public readers in Tennessee who view the resolution as a formal, ceremonial tribute to a local public servant and respected community member.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduction: March 7, 2025
  • March 13, 2025: Engrossed; adopted in the House (Ayes 90, Nays 0)
  • March 18, 2025: Placed on Senate Consent Calendar
  • March 21, 2025: Enrolled and transmitted for signature; signed by House Speaker
  • March 24–25, 2025: Signed by Senate Speaker; transmitted to Governor
  • March 26, 2025: Signed by Governor
  • Overall, the measure followed a rapid, ceremonial path typical for memorial resolutions, concluding with gubernatorial approval.

Significance

HJR 322 stands as an official, bipartisan acknowledgment of Lena Balesteri Davis’s life, values, and service. It provides a formal, public record of respect and offers condolences to her family, while reinforcing community memory of her contributions to Franklin and the broader Tennessee community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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