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HJR 552

Memorials, Personal Occasion - Dorothy Steffen, 100th birthday -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clark Boyd

A ceremonial memorial recognizing Dorothy Steffen’s 100th birthday, publicly honoring her life and long service as a pastor’s wife and homemaker.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #personaloccasion
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Bill Summary · HJR 552

Summary of HJR 552 (Dorothy Steffen 100th Birthday)

Overview

House Joint Resolution 552 is a ceremonial, memorial joint resolution recognizing and congratulating Dorothy Steffen on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The measure is a symbolic acknowledgment of her life and family, with best wishes for continued health and happiness. It was introduced on April 2, 2025, and subsequently transmitted through the legislative process before being signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Honor and congratulate Dorothy Steffen on turning 100 on October 6, 2025.
  • Celebrate a centenarian whose life reflects faith, family, and service as the wife of a Lutheran pastor and a homemaker.
  • Provide an official copy for presentation, recognizing her long life and enduring family ties in Tennessee.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution states: “to honor and congratulate Dorothy Steffen on the celebration of her 100th birthday.”
  • It includes a biographical narrative detailing her birthplace (Cuba, Missouri, born October 6, 1925), family background, marriage to Rev. Lee Steffen (1945), pastoral assignments across Nebraska, Iowa, Florida (1964–1988), North Carolina, and finally Tennessee.
  • It notes her role as a pastor’s wife and homemaker, relocations, and later-life moves after her husband’s passing in 2008.
  • It lists her family: nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
  • Administrative language allows for an official copy to be prepared without House or Senate designation.

Biographical Background

  • Born October 6, 1925, in Cuba, Missouri; youngest of six children.
  • Lived on a farm/feed mill owned by her father; educated in Cuba and Rolla, Missouri.
  • Married Rev. Lee Steffen in 1945; lived and served in multiple states, notably Lakeland, Florida (1964–1988).
  • After husband’s death, lived independently until a 2023 fall led to a move to Tennessee to live with her son, Paul, and later to American House in Lebanon, Tennessee.
  • Lifelong emphasis on faith and family, with deep ties to Tennessee through visits and eventual residence.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025
  • Sponsor: Rep. Boyd
  • Passed House: April 7, 2025 (adopted 96-0)
  • Passed Senate: April 14–16, 2025 (concurrence; entry into Senate calendar)
  • Transmitted to Governor: April 21, 2025
  • Governor signed: April 24, 2025

Impact

  • Ceremonial; no substantive policy changes or fiscal impact.
  • Official recognition suitable for ceremonial presentation and public record.
  • Reflects Tennessee’s practice of honoring notable residents on landmark life events.

Status

  • Signed by Governor (April 24, 2025); becomes an official memorial resolution of the General Assembly.

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

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