[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 76 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MEMORY OF DOROTHY THIGPEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 6, 2022

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to honor the memory of Dorothy 
Jean Thigpen, a long-time resident of Detroit, Michigan.
  Born and raised in Tennessee, her life's journey took her from rural 
Tennessee to Detroit's Jeffries projects to the Manoogian Mansion and 
finally to the rural suburbs of Virginia.
  As a child, her family moved to Michigan, where she spent time in 
Albion and Detroit. As a student attending Detroit's Central High 
School, she met and married the love of her life George Westly Thigpen, 
Jr. on October 11, 1958. From their union, she had seven daughters and 
one son. Her young family lived in many places around the city of 
Detroit.
  During the 70s and as her family grew, she put her skills to work 
sewing parachutes at a downtown armed forces factory. Shortly after the 
Vietnam War ended, Dorothy got a job at Fisher Body as a power sewer 
making car seats for luxury vehicles. She retired from Fisher Body 
after more than 20 years of service on a medical retirement in 2000.
  A working mother, Dorothy ensured her children took their education 
seriously. Her house was always filled with music and weekly routines. 
Because discipline was primary for Dorothy, she was famous for her ``I 
can show you better than I can tell you'' lessons. She required her 
children to have fun outdoors and charged them to be creative, 
athletic, and come home before the streetlights come on.
  Above all, Dorothy Thigpen's life was filled with love, service, and 
her faith. She enjoyed her time spent with family and friends, enjoying 
all life had to offer. Please join me in honoring her memory.

                          ____________________