[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 136 (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MS. KAREN DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable gospel singer, Karen Davis. M. Davis was raised in a musical 
home in Mound Bayou, Mississippi by her parents Ms. Betsy Jackson and 
the late Joseph Jackson. Her mother a pianist has a gospel group called 
the Jackson Starlets formerly known as the Jackson Starters. At the age 
of 3 years old, Ms. Davis began singing in Jerusalem Missionary Baptist 
Church choir and also at rehearsals with her mother's group. Ms. Davis 
was active in music classes in junior high and high school where she 
played the piano and sang with the school choir.
  After marrying Mr. Terry Davis and moving to Shelby, Mississippi, she 
expanded her gospel singing and piano expertise by becoming Choir 
Director at Mount Layton Missionary Baptist Church in Ruleville, 
Mississippi, and Mount Moriah Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ms. Davis has been a pianist for various 
churches and receives many invitations to sing at numerous Christian 
and civic events.
  Ms. Davis' family lineage includes renowned blues legend Nellie 
``Tiger'' Travis. Her ten siblings, Jorgen, Clinton, Patricia, Audrey, 
Debra, Metra, Glynis, Almeta, Sonya and Bethina all sing and play the 
piano.
  Ms. Davis believes gospel music is a ministry because it ministers to 
the soul of people. She has received many accolades from congregations 
and people who are fortunate to hear her sing. Her daughters, Sharita, 
Sharlette and Simone have developed a love for gospel music. Sharita 
sings alongside her mother at events and sings as a soloist.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Karen 
Davis as an inspirational gospel singer.

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