HONORING MRS. DORCUS CURRY THIGPEN

On 2026-06-02, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MRS. DORCUS CURRY THIGPEN" in the House.

HONORING MRS. DORCUS CURRY THIGPEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E512-E513] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MRS. DORCUS CURRY THIGPEN ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Dorcus Curry Thigpen, a revered gospel music leader, choir directress, minister of music, and beloved matriarch whose name is deeply woven into the legacy of Mississippi music the sacred tradition of gospel ministry. A native daughter of Mississippi's rich gospel tradition, Mrs. Thigpen's life in music began early though the influence of her father, Elder David R. Curry, Sr., founder of what is now known as Liberal Trinity Church of God in Christ. It was there that she learned music was not simply performance, but ministry, testimony, and a sacred way to bring people together in faith. Mrs. Thigpen became connected to the Mississippi Mass Choir through her brother, David Curry, Jr., who asked her to serve as a director when the choir was being formed alongside gospel visionary Frank Williams in 1988. Though she missed the choir's first meeting while on maternity leave, she would go on to give 38 years of faithful service to the Mississippi Mass Choir, becoming one of its most recognizable and beloved leaders. For nearly four decades, she helped guide the choir's sound, discipline, stage presence, and spiritual power. Known for her commaning direction, graceful spirit, and unwavering standard of excellence, Mrs. Thigpen helped carry the Mississippi Mass Choir from local church roots to national and international recogniztion. She also directed the Mississippi Children's Choir, mentoring approximately 200 young people from across the state and helping train the next generation in gospel music and ministry. Byond her musical accomplishments, Mrs. Thigpen is celebrated for her faithfulness, humility, mentorship, and motherly presence. To many, she is more than a choir directress; she is a mother of five sons, grandmother, teather, encourager, worship leader, and living testimony. Her legacy is heard in every lifted voice, every disciplined choir stand, and every heart moved by the power of gospel music. As she is honored for her 70th birthday and retirement this month, Mrs. Dorcus Curry Thigpen stands as Mississippi gospel legend [[Page E513]] whose service has blessed generations and whose impact will continue to echo through the church, the choir, and the lives of all she has touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating Mrs. Dorcus Curry Thigpen for her extraodinary contributions to gospel music, Christian ministry, mentorship, and the cultural legacy of the great State of Mississippi. ____________________