House Joint Resolution 661, sponsored by Doggett, honors the late Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner, who has been posthumously awarded the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award for her exceptional dedication to community service. The resolution highlights the significant impact of volunteers in Tennessee, noting that 1.3 million individuals contribute over 99 million hours of service annually, which equates to $2.6 billion for the state's economy. Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner, affectionately known as "Ma Bert," served her community for decades, beginning with the South Central Human Resource Agency's Head Start Program in 1973 and later volunteering at New Prospect Elementary School for 19 years, where she mentored over 370 students.

The resolution reflects on Mrs. Faulkner's legacy of compassion and her embodiment of the spirit of volunteerism in Tennessee. It acknowledges her role as a model citizen and the lasting influence she had on her community, as well as her family, which includes three children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The General Assembly expresses its gratitude for her outstanding leadership and commitment to service, ensuring that her contributions are remembered and celebrated.