[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 142 (Friday, August 29, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DORIS HAYWOOD-BRIDGETT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 29, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious, loyal, and self-motivated leader--Mrs. Doris Haywood-
Bridgett--a pillar of the Shelby, Mississippi, community and a devoted 
servant to Bolivar County for nearly a century.
  Born in 1935 in Boyle, Mississippi, Mrs. Haywood-Bridgett recently 
celebrated her 90th birthday. A lifelong resident of Shelby, she 
remains an active and driving force in her community. Her tireless 
commitment and continued contributions serve as an inspiration to all.
  Mrs. Haywood-Bridgett, alongside her late husband, Pastor Will 
Bridgett, Jr., made history in Shelby as the first African American 
business owners in town, opening Bridgett Bakery Shop. A licensed 
beautician since the late 1960's, she has been serving her loyal 
clients for decades and has yet to fully retire. In addition to her 
professional work, she operated an in-home daycare in the 1970's and 
1980's and served as Site Manager for the Bolivar County Community 
Action Agency in Cleveland, Mississippi.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Haywood-Bridgett has demonstrated an 
unwavering dedication to children and families. Whether through her 
daycare, her beautician chair, or simply her open-door policy for 
neighborhood children seeking help with homework, she has poured love, 
wisdom, and guidance into generations.
  Her service to the community extends beyond her personal and 
professional life. She served as Vice President of the Shelby Chamber 
of Commerce for over a decade, spearheading efforts to remove blighted 
properties, improve public spaces, and revitalize local infrastructure. 
Known affectionately as ``the neighborhood Mother,'' her home has 
always been a safe haven, a place of encouragement and support.
  With the election of a new city administration, Mrs. Haywood-Bridgett 
remains hopeful and engaged in shaping a brighter future for Shelby. 
Her unwavering faith in God keeps her grounded and strong, as she 
continues to pray for the strength to do what needs to be done.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend Mrs. Doris Haywood-
Bridgett--for a lifetime of service, leadership, and enduring 
commitment to the people of Shelby and Bolivar County, Mississippi. Her 
story is a living testament to the impact of a single life dedicated to 
service, and her legacy will echo for generations to come.

                          ____________________