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HJR 661

Memorials, Recognition - Bertha Mae Dees, posthumous winner of 2024 Governor's Volunteer Stars Award -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clay Doggett

HJR 661 memorializes Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner, posthumously honoring decades of Tennessee volunteerism as a Governor's Volunteer Stars Award recipient and role model for 370 students.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 661

Summary of House Joint Resolution 661 (HJR 661)

Overview

  • Bill type: Joint Resolution (memorial/recognition)
  • Subject: Memorials, Recognition
  • Sponsor: Rep. Doggett (primary)
  • Status: Signed by Governor (effective May 5, 2025)
  • Introduced: April 15, 2025

HJR 661 honors the late Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner, a posthumous recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award, recognizing her decades of community service in Tennessee.

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s appreciation for Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner’s life of volunteerism and leadership.
  • It memorializes her as a model citizen who exemplified the Volunteer State’s spirit by dedicating substantial time and effort to helping others.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • Recognition of service: Acknowledges Faulkner’s proactive involvement in community service from 1973 onward.
  • Professional and volunteer roles:
    • Worked with the South Central Human Resource Agency in the Head Start Program for 33 years.
    • Later volunteered at New Prospect Elementary School.
    • Participated in the Foster Grandparent Program for 19 years, mentoring and tutoring children.
  • Impact and reach: As “Ma Bert” to first-grade students, she served as a stand-in grandmother for more than 370 students.
  • Legacy and family: Survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
  • Official action: The resolution formally honors Faulkner as the posthumous Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award recipient and requests the production of an appropriate copy for presentation.

Who is Affected

  • The resolution specifically honors Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner and, by extension, highlights the importance of volunteerism in Tennessee.
  • While primarily ceremonial, it reflects broad support for volunteers across Tennessee and serves as public acknowledgment of Faulkner’s contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • April 15, 2025: Introduced and placed on House consent calendar.
  • April 16, 2025: Sponsor changes and adoption on the House side; passage reflected in engrossment.
  • April 21, 2025: Senate concurrence (Ayes 33, Nays 0).
  • April 24, 2025: Enrolled and ready for the Speaker’s signature; transmitted to the Governor.
  • April 28, 2025: Transmitted to the Governor for action.
  • May 5, 2025: Governor signs; bill becomes law as a memorial resolution.

Contextual Background

  • The resolution cites Tennessee’s strong volunteer tradition, noting that about 1.3 million volunteers contribute over 99 million hours annually, valued at roughly $2.6 billion to the state’s economy. Faulkner’s story is presented as a concrete example of this statewide ethos.

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

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