[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DOROTHY ROGERS PORTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay 
tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Dorothy Rogers Porter, a beloved 
musical icon and mentor from the Great state of Alabama who passed away 
on June 1, 2013 at the age of 77. This phenomenal woman was an 
extraordinary source of wisdom and guidance to me and so many others. 
While I am deeply saddened by her passing I am confident her legacy 
will live through the countless lives she touched during her lifetime.
   For 38 years, this American jewel was first lady of the historic 
Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Alongside her 
husband, civil rights icon Rev. John T. Porter, Mrs. Porter became a 
fixture in the local community. But many will remember her for her 
extraordinary musicianship and her dynamic voice. As head of the 
children's choir, Mrs. Porter inspired a sincere love for music in the 
young lives that were under her direction.
   The classically trained mezzo-soprano also taught music at Lawson 
State Community College and performed for audiences across the country. 
She graduated from Alabama State University with a bachelor's degree in 
music and went on to obtain a masters degree in music education from 
Wayne State University in Detroit.
   Mrs. Porter was a committed servant leader active in so many 
community and civic endeavors. She lead Sixth Avenue's scholarship 
committee and was instrumental in preparing graduating seniors for the 
next phase in their lives. Mrs. Porter was a member of The Links 
Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also served on 
the Birmingham Library Board.
   On a personal note, Mrs. Porter was a mentor of mine and countless 
others. I will miss her loving smile, wise counsel and warm embrace. I 
was proud to call her a sorority sister, fellow Link and most 
importantly, my mentor. We will all miss her dearly.
   We are indeed grateful for the life of this awesome woman. On behalf 
of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this 
nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Mrs. 
Dorothy Rogers Porter.

                          ____________________