[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 190 (Monday, November 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND C.J. CARSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 10, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and enduring legacy of the late Reverend C.J. Carson, Jr., an 
esteemed educator, minister, and community leader whose service to the 
people of Mississippi continues to inspire generations.
  On October 4, 2025, a street sign dedication ceremony was held at 
Hays Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Winona, Mississippi, to 
commemorate Reverend Carson's lifelong commitment to faith, education, 
and service. Reverend Carson, a proud 1932 graduate of Alcorn A&M 
College--now Alcorn State University--dedicated his life to uplifting 
others through both the classroom and the pulpit.
  He served in the Winona Public School System, shaping young minds and 
guiding them toward excellence, and was a devoted chaplain for the 
Alcorn State University Alumni Association. As Dean of the Mississippi 
Baptist Congress of Christian Education, he championed spiritual growth 
and academic advancement throughout our state.
  Throughout his distinguished ministry, Reverend Carson pastored 
several congregations, including First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, 
Green Grove Baptist Church in Marks, and Mt. Union Baptist Church in 
Eupora. For thirty-five years, he faithfully served as pastor of Hays 
Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Winona and held leadership roles in 
the Zion District Association.
  The recent dedication ceremony featured opening remarks by his 
granddaughter, Dr. Thelma Purnell-Bibbs, and tributes from Rev. 
Hemphill, Mrs. Annie Rodgers, and Rev. J. Sawyer. His great-grandson, 
Carson Bibbs, unveiled the memorial sign, and granddaughter Ms. Leveda 
``Marcia'' Purnell offered closing remarks.
  The Carson family expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Flowers, 
City Clerk Tracy Holcomb and staff, and the City of Winona for honoring 
Reverend Carsons's legacy with the placement of this memorial marker.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend 
C.J. Carson, Jr. who lived a life of purpose, faith, and service. His 
legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, and, in the 
communities, he helped strengthen. It is my privilege to enter his name 
and memory into the Congressional Record so that his contributions to 
Mississippi and to our Nation will be forever remembered.

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