[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 138 (Tuesday, August 23, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      HONORING BARBARA LYNN THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 23, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable individual, Barbara Lynn Thomas.
  Barbara Lynn Thomas was born Barbara Parks to the late Booker Parks 
and Emma Parks of Darling, MS. She is the eldest daughter born to this 
union.
  Barbara attended school in the Quitman County School System, where 
she graduated with honors. She later attended Coahoma Jr. College and 
Hinds Community College, where she attained three different degrees 
while working a full-time job and raising her three children. She 
worked at Mississippi Department of Corrections, where she retired with 
25 years of service; at the Quitman County School system, giving them 
21 years of service; and simultaneously getting a degree in 
Cosmetology. She would have a 20-hour workday but still managed to care 
for her children. That alone shows how driven she is.
  She doesn't have many jobs to list but believes that longevity at a 
job is worth its weight in gold. In 2008, she retired from the 
workplace at the tender age of 43, knowing that she had put in the 
work.
  What makes this candidate so special is the fact that she is a true 
giver. There have been so many community functions where she would have 
events and justsimply give things away to those that showed up; ex: at 
her birthday parties, Christmas parties, and at her grandchildren's 
birthday parties, guests get gifted, too. She simply loves gifting and 
seeing the happy faces of the recipients. She now uses her creativity 
in the kitchen and in her yard. She states that this is her happy 
place. She is determined to master any task she takes on. She is 
extremely creative in the kitchen, whereas she can look at a picture on 
a magazine cover and imitate that dish or dessert. She can really 
inspire you with some delectable dishes. The Quitman County area should 
be proud to have this amazing cook at their fingertips. She once told 
someone that she just likes being happy and loves seeing the happiness 
in others from the fruits of her labor.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Barbara Lynn Thomas for her dedication in serving her community.

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