Her early years as an educator in Webster Parish
Jean Doerge was born in Galbraith, Louisiana. She is the middle daughter in a family of seven. Educated in the public school system, Jean graduated from Cloutierville High School in 1955 and was the recipient of the American Legion Award.
BS degree in Business Education from NSU.
Master of Education degree from LSU.
Received Plus 30 from Louisiana Tech University.
Retired in 1992 from Webster Parish School system with 34 years of teaching.
Served Webster Parish as State Representative since 1998.
After graduation she entered Northwestern State College and graduated in August of 1958, which meant that she finished in just three years.
It was here that she met her husband, Everett who was from Minden, and they were married in August of 1957. Later, she received her Masters Degree from LSU and her Plus 30 from Louisiana Tech University.
Jean and her late husband Dr. Everett G. Doerge, taught in the Webster Parish School system. After more than thirty years of teaching Jean and Everett both retired. Everett moved his focus from education to the legislature and was elected State Representative in 1992. After six years in the legislature with an impressive list of accomplishments, Dr. Doerge passed away in 1998. Jean was elected to serve his unexpired term and ran unopposed in 2000 and 2004.
Louisiana Women’s Caucus at Grambling State University promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
Her personal struggles
In 2003, Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery for a mastectomy.
She began chemo once a week for 52 weeks and during these weeks she also received radiation treatment five days a week for 36 treatments. Jean’s perseverance and dedication to her job was most evident at this time. While undergoing treatment she managed to continue to work for her constituents.
After 36 treatments of radiation, she underwent another surgical procedure to remove her gallbladder and missed only a few days of work. In November of 2004, she was pronounced cancer free.
Her major accomplishments to improve the quality of life for everyone
While fighting for her life, she continued to fight for her district. In 2003, she passed major legislation that would establish a fire training center in Northwest Louisiana. It is the second such training facility in the entire State. With her own health in question, she managed to provide legislative assistance to Springhill Medical Center.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Sarepta Park and Walking Trail. Rep. Doerge assisted in securing funds through Recreational Trails.
Securing designation as a Rural Hospital and placing it in the Rural Hospital Coalition, her legislative action enabled them to receive much needed funding from the Rural Preservation Act.
As an advocate for better education, Jean has fought hard to provide opportunities for our youth. Beginning with securing the funding to purchase property for the future construction of a new technical college was a major accomplishment.
She followed up with recently securing $13.7 million in HB2 for the construction of the new Northwest Technical College. Joined by Senator Robert Adley, ACT591 will provide an additional $14 million for the future construction of this new facility.
Rep. Doerge with members of the Webster Parish Police Jury and National Guard leadership in celebration of LAAP’s ownership transfer to the State.
No request too small, no task too big
Jean’s determination to see a project through was witnessed by many when she orchestrated an innovative approach to a water problem in the village of Dubberly with the assistance of the Dixie Overland Water System.
Residents living on the Harvey Barbershop Road, Peachtree Road, Stuckey Road, Harvey Loop and Wilford Shaw Road in the Dubberly community witnessed Jean’s persistence when it was discovered that their water wells were drying up.
She used her networking skills to bring about a solution to a very serious problem.
Jean’s ability to network with other elected officials, business leaders and heads of corporations have resulted in many successful ventures.
Her efforts to bring economic development to Webster Parish 
Rep. Doerge with Wildlife & Fisheries, Keith Cascio, viewing historic Dorcheat Bayou for future tourist attractions. Creating jobs for our parish came in the form of financial assistance to one of our major industries located in Springhill. Representative Doerge's efforts on behalf of Continental Structural Plastics were instrumental in enabling the company to gain an effective relationship with a range of state agencies regarding tax regulations, labor hiring assistance and important economic incentives. She personally involved herself so that the company could make its various deadlines to create a manufacturing plant that met strict customer delivery requirements and in that process to create more than 200 new jobs.
During her time in the legislature, Jean has managed to bring home economic development dollars to improve major recreational tourist attractions around the parish. From funding for the construction of the Springhill Community Activity Center to the restoration of one of our parish’s oldest historic plantations, Jean has fought for our fair share….and won!
This year, Mrs. Doerge has authored several pieces of legislation that will improve the infrastructure of our parish, open the doors to more economic development opportunities and continue to improve the quality of life for all Webster Parish residents.
Rep. Doerge was presented the “Golden Apple Award” by Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in recognition for noteworthy legislation. Her honors and awards
The honors that she has received have been many. Northwestern State University honored her with being inducted into the prestigious College of Business Hall of Distinction. Her name is engraved on a plaque that hangs in the foyer of Russell Hall reminding people of her lifelong achievements and tireless efforts to go the second mile.
She has been presented the “Friends of the Parishes” award by the Policy Jury Association of Louisiana. In 2002 she was the recipient of the “Golden Rose Award” and the “Golden Apple Award”, presented by the educational society Epsilon State of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
In 2003, Cultural Crossroads presented Jean with the “Visionary Award” of 2003 for her efforts to save the historic Shadows estate.
Jean received the “Roy A. Robichaux Sr. Award” for her work for fire training and fire protection. 
Rep. Doerge and Speaker of the House Roe Salter visit with Rev. Larry O’Dell after the opening session of the House of Representative. Rev. O’Dell opened the session with prayer.
Her faith and family
Jean has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Minden for more than 40 years. Her immediate family consists of her daughter, Sherie Lester and her husband Kevin. She is the proud grandmother of two grandsons, Justin and Jacob Lester. She resides in Minden. |
