Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-09

HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

TaxesEducationLabor

Context

On 2026-01-09, Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered education, labor policy.

Full Text

HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E20-E21] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY _____ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Friday, January 9, 2026 Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride and profound appreciation to honor a remarkable woman on the momentous occasion of her 90th birthday--Mrs. Barbara Anne Dorsey. Mrs. Dorsey is more than a friend; she is the embodiment of love, community service, and dedication to nurturing the future. An event to honor her birthday will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia at the Green Island Country Club. Mrs. Dorsey was born on January 10, 1936, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and spent her formative years in Winter Haven, Florida before moving to Columbus, Georgia. It was here, surrounded by family and the nurturing spirit of her community, that her passion for music and education first took root. Growing up, she became an active member of Fourth Street Baptist Church and a musician at Shady Grove Baptist Church, where she discovered her love for serving others and sharing her musical gifts. From her earliest days, Mrs. Dorsey carried a melody in her heart, playing the clarinet and captivating those around her with the joy of music. After completing her education at Spencer High School, Mrs. Dorsey attended Fort Valley State College, where she not only honed her teaching skills but also began to shape her future as an educator and community leader. She became a devoted mother, embracing the roles that define family--one that has grown cherished, with each name she earned--Barbr'anne, Bootsie, Aunt Barbara, Mama Barbara, Grandma and Gigi. Each moniker captures not just her identity but the love and bonds she has cultivated through the years. In the span of her impressive career, Mrs. Dorsey made her mark at Manly Taylor Elementary School, where she embarked on a journey that would touch the lives of countless young minds. Her devotion extended beyond the classroom, as she served with passion in the Project Head Start summer program. Mrs. Dorsey understood that early education lays the foundation for a lifetime of growth and success. Through her nurturing spirit, she empowered her students, instilled hope, and ignited the flames of curiosity. I am reminded of the inspiring words of Mary McLeod Bethune, who said, ``The true measure of the success of any society can be determined by the contributions of its women.'' Mrs. Dorsey's life resonates with this idea; her unwavering commitment to education, service, and community upliftment has forged a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. Mrs. Dorsey's life has not been confined to one place or role. With an indomitable spirit, she embraced many responsibilities within her [[Page E21]] faith community, serving as a youth director, choir director, pianist, and Girl Scout leader. Her unwavering commitment shone brightly as she transformed lives--not just by imparting knowledge but by nurturing faith and confidence among young souls. She led the Columbus College Baptist Student Union choir, instilling leadership and cultivating spiritual growth that reverberated through her community. As a schoolteacher, she shaped young minds at Brown Avenue Elementary, Bibb Elementary, and St. Mary's Road Elementary. Her outstanding commitment led to her recognition as Teacher of the Year at St. Mary's Road Elementary--a celebration of her dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts in advancing education. With each lesson, Barbara fulfilled a critical role in shaping not just knowledge, but also character, integrity, and self-worth among her students. Even in retirement, Mrs. Dorsey's passion for teaching and music did not fade. After retiring from St. Mary's Road Elementary in 1998, she enriched young lives through private piano lessons, igniting their imaginations and fostering a love for music. Sharing her talents at Girls Inc. and the historic Liberty Theater, she found joy in bringing smiles and laughter through the power of song. Mrs. Dorsey's steps have truly been ordered by God. In her later years, she became a member of the South Columbus United Methodist Church where she continues to share her love of God and people. Mrs. Dorsey has accomplished great things in her life but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God, her children: Gayle Daniels, Faye Boyer, Veleta Pasley, Belva Dorsey-Mott, Nicol Lewis, and Joni Dorsey, her nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. On a personal note, Mrs. Dorsey and her family have been friends and supporters for many years. She has been a beacon of hope in my life, oftentimes providing meals for me that nourished not only my body but my spirit. I will be forever grateful for her and her family's fidelity and friendship. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District in honoring Mrs. Barbara Ann Dorsey on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Barbara Anne Dorsey is not just a woman celebrating a milestone; she is a treasure within our hearts and our community. As we gather to honor her 90th birthday, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for her friendship, her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds, and the profound love she has shared with everyone who has had the privilege to know her. I wish a happy 90th Birthday to Mrs. Dorsey. May her life continue to inspire those around her, illuminating paths with her love and wisdom, and may her legacy of kindness and service endure for generations to come. ____________________

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HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E20-E21] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MRS. BARBARA ANNE DORSEY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY _____ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Friday, January 9, 2026 Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride and profound appreciation to honor a remarkable woman on the momentous occasion of her 90th birthday--Mrs. Barbara Anne Dorsey. Mrs. Dorsey is more than a friend; she is the embodiment of love, community service, and dedication to nurturing the future. An event to honor her birthday will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia at the Green Island Country Club. Mrs. Dorsey was born on January 10, 1936, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and spent her formative years in Winter Haven, Florida before moving to Columbus, Georgia. It was here, surrounded by family and the nurturing spirit of her community, that her passion for music and education first took root. Growing up, she became an active member of Fourth Street Baptist Church and a musician at Shady Grove Baptist Church, where she discovered her love for serving others and sharing her musical gifts. From her earliest days, Mrs. Dorsey carried a melody in her heart, playing the clarinet and captivating those around her with the joy of music. After completing her education at Spencer High School, Mrs. Dorsey attended Fort Valley State College, where she not only honed her teaching skills but also began to shape her future as an educator and community leader. She became a devoted mother, embracing the roles that define family--one that has grown cherished, with each name she earned--Barbr'anne, Bootsie, Aunt Barbara, Mama Barbara, Grandma and Gigi. Each moniker captures not just her identity but the love and bonds she has cultivated through the years. In the span of her impressive career, Mrs. Dorsey made her mark at Manly Taylor Elementary School, where she embarked on a journey that would touch the lives of countless young minds. Her devotion extended beyond the classroom, as she served with passion in the Project Head Start summer program. Mrs. Dorsey understood that early education lays the foundation for a lifetime of growth and success. Through her nurturing spirit, she empowered her students, instilled hope, and ignited the flames of curiosity. I am reminded of the inspiring words of Mary McLeod Bethune, who said, ``The true measure of the success of any society can be determined by the contributions of its women.'' Mrs. Dorsey's life resonates with this idea; her unwavering commitment to education, service, and community upliftment has forged a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. Mrs. Dorsey's life has not been confined to one place or role. With an indomitable spirit, she embraced many responsibilities within her [[Page E21]] faith community, serving as a youth director, choir director, pianist, and Girl Scout leader. Her unwavering commitment shone brightly as she transformed lives--not just by imparting knowledge but by nurturing faith and confidence among young souls. She led the Columbus College Baptist Student Union choir, instilling leadership and cultivating spiritual growth that reverberated through her community. As a schoolteacher, she shaped young minds at Brown Avenue Elementary, Bibb Elementary, and St. Mary's Road Elementary. Her outstanding commitment led to her recognition as Teacher of the Year at St. Mary's Road Elementary--a celebration of her dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts in advancing education. With each lesson, Barbara fulfilled a critical role in shaping not just knowledge, but also character, integrity, and self-worth among her students. Even in retirement, Mrs. Dorsey's passion for teaching and music did not fade. After retiring from St. Mary's Road Elementary in 1998, she enriched young lives through private piano lessons, igniting their imaginations and fostering a love for music. Sharing her talents at Girls Inc. and the historic Liberty Theater, she found joy in bringing smiles and laughter through the power of song. Mrs. Dorsey's steps have truly been ordered by God. In her later years, she became a member of the South Columbus United Methodist Church where she continues to share her love of God and people. Mrs. Dorsey has accomplished great things in her life but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God, her children: Gayle Daniels, Faye Boyer, Veleta Pasley, Belva Dorsey-Mott, Nicol Lewis, and Joni Dorsey, her nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. On a personal note, Mrs. Dorsey and her family have been friends and supporters for many years. She has been a beacon of hope in my life, oftentimes providing meals for me that nourished not only my body but my spirit. I will be forever grateful for her and her family's fidelity and friendship. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District in honoring Mrs. Barbara Ann Dorsey on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Barbara Anne Dorsey is not just a woman celebrating a milestone; she is a treasure within our hearts and our community. As we gather to honor her 90th birthday, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for her friendship, her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds, and the profound love she has shared with everyone who has had the privilege to know her. I wish a happy 90th Birthday to Mrs. Dorsey. May her life continue to inspire those around her, illuminating paths with her love and wisdom, and may her legacy of kindness and service endure for generations to come. ____________________