[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             BETTY THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CORI BUSH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2021

  Ms. BUSH. Madam Speaker, Saint Louis and I rise to commemorate the 
life of Ms. Betty Thompson. Ms. Betty was a deeply beloved figure in 
St. Louis, not only for her groundbreaking political career and 
trailblazing civil rights work, but most notably for her warm and 
giving spirit. Her altruistic reach transcended the chaos of politics 
and gave space for the beauty in public service. She remained true to 
her values and led from a place of service and deep love of community. 
This approach to her work led her to opening so many doors in politics 
for our region as a barrier-breaking politician who was the first Black 
woman to serve on the University City City council. Not only did she 
open doors, but she extended her hand to bring the next generation of 
leaders along with her. Her passion and vigor was ever present, as she 
famously said, ``We want you to wake up! Get up! Sit up! Look up! Dress 
up! Eat up! Pray up! Pay up! And if you can't do that, then you should 
just stay home and shut up!''
  She so beautifully took issues that most pained her, like her 
struggle with alopecia, and turned them into positive change in her 
legislative efforts. Ms. Thompson sponsored legislation that created a 
pathway for children with alopecia to receive hairpieces. This 
legislation was essential to Medicaid developing a policy that gave 
provision for expenses related to scalp prosthesis.
  This, along with so many other efforts of Representative Thompson, 
are a wonderful depiction of the vigor and depth with which she loved 
her community. That love will unquestionably be widely missed--but it 
was a love so genuine it will most certainly leave rippling effects for 
years to come. So though we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life. 
It was a life well lived indeed.

                          ____________________