[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E438-E439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ESTHER MARTIN RIGSBY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable public servant, Mrs. Esther Martin Rigsby. Mrs. Esther 
Martin Rigsby entered into eternal rest March 17, 2020. She was born 
August 31, 1932 to Reverend and Mrs. Alex L. Martin in Port Gibson, 
Mississippi. She was a graduate of Claiborne County Training School, 
where she was the class salutatorian and choir accompanist. She 
matriculated at Alcorn State University where she received a Bachelor 
of Science Degree in English Education. While at Alcorn, she was a 
member of the college choir, the Dramatic Guild, and was initiated into 
the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
  On December 25, 1954, she united in holy matrimony to her college 
sweetheart: Dr. John D. Rigsby. He predeceased her.
  Her other educational attainments included the Master of Science 
Degree in English Education from Indiana University. She also attained 
advanced certifications in Curriculum and Instruction and did 
additional studies at Mississippi State University, University of 
Southern Mississippi and New York University.
  Her teaching career was in several Mississippi School Districts: 
Quitman County, Leflore County, Rankin County and Jackson Public 
Schools. During her career, she taught English, Journalism, Speech, 
Drama and Reading. She served as newspaper and yearbook advisor, 
District-wide English Department Chair, and participated in the writing 
and implementation of English instructional manuals. She was also 
employed at Tougaloo College as an Assistant Professor of English and 
Coordinator of Humanities Special Events. During her career, she served 
as an Adjunct Instructor of English at Alcorn State University, Jackson 
State University and Hinds Community College.
  Further, she was an Essay Reader for the Graduate Record Examination 
administered by the Educational Testing Service.
  As a child, she joined First Baptist Church in Port Gibson, 
Mississippi where she was the pianist for the church and state pianist 
for the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi. 
Mrs. Rigsby was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, 
Mississippi for over sixty years. She served in many capacities: 
pianist for the Senior Choir; Co-Director of the Junior Choir; Alto 
vocalist in the Sanctuary Choir; Vice President of the Women's 
Missionary Union; Publicity Coordinator; and Deaconess Chair.
  Her community service included membership in the National Association 
for the Advancement for Colored People, Jackson Urban League, and the 
International Community Ambassadors Network.
  Mrs. Rigsby served Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on many levels: 
President of the Beta Delta Omega Chapter, 17th South Eastern Regional 
Director, member of the International Board of Directors, and served on 
five international committees: Standards, Membership, Programs, 
Nominating and Constitution. She was co-author of the local chapter 
history book: ``Capturing A Vision Fair'' and a member of the Editorial 
Advisory Board for the Sorority's centennial history publication: 
``Pearls of Wisdom.'' She was a charter member of The LeFleur's Bluff 
Chapter of The Links, Incorporated where she served as Financial 
Secretary and Chair of the Arts Facet.
  She was inducted into the Alcorn State University's Hall of Honor and 
received the NAACP's Mother of the Year Award. She also received many 
recognitions and honors for her leadership in various organizations. 
She served as a mentor to numerous students and teachers.
  Mrs. Rigsby is survived by her four sons: Reginald D. Rigsby, M.D., 
of Madison, Mississippi; Delbert K. Rigsby, Esq. of Mitchellville, 
Maryland; Mark D. Rigsby of Beech Island, South Carolina; and Kenneth 
W. Rigsby of Nashville, Tennessee. Her daughters-in-law are Terri, 
Linda, and Virginia

[[Page E439]]

Rigsby. Her grandchildren are: Erin (Devin) Hawkins, Esq. of New 
Orleans, Louisiana; Morgan D. Rigsby and Markesa B. Rigsby of 
Nashville, Tennessee; and Reginald D. Rigsby II of Madison, 
Mississippi.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Esther Martin Rigsby.

                          ____________________