[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E512-E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MRS. DORCUS CURRY THIGPEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Dorcus Curry Thigpen, a revered gospel music leader, choir directress, 
minister of music, and beloved matriarch whose name is deeply woven 
into the legacy of Mississippi music the sacred tradition of gospel 
ministry.
  A native daughter of Mississippi's rich gospel tradition, Mrs. 
Thigpen's life in music began early though the influence of her father, 
Elder David R. Curry, Sr., founder of what is now known as Liberal 
Trinity Church of God in Christ. It was there that she learned music 
was not simply performance, but ministry, testimony, and a sacred way 
to bring people together in faith.
  Mrs. Thigpen became connected to the Mississippi Mass Choir through 
her brother, David Curry, Jr., who asked her to serve as a director 
when the choir was being formed alongside gospel visionary Frank 
Williams in 1988. Though she missed the choir's first meeting while on 
maternity leave, she would go on to give 38 years of faithful service 
to the Mississippi Mass Choir, becoming one of its most recognizable 
and beloved leaders. For nearly four decades, she helped guide the 
choir's sound, discipline, stage presence, and spiritual power.
  Known for her commaning direction, graceful spirit, and unwavering 
standard of excellence, Mrs. Thigpen helped carry the Mississippi Mass 
Choir from local church roots to national and international 
recogniztion. She also directed the Mississippi Children's Choir, 
mentoring approximately 200 young people from across the state and 
helping train the next generation in gospel music and ministry.
  Byond her musical accomplishments, Mrs. Thigpen is celebrated for her 
faithfulness, humility, mentorship, and motherly presence. To many, she 
is more than a choir directress; she is a mother of five sons, 
grandmother, teather, encourager, worship leader, and living testimony. 
Her legacy is heard in every lifted voice, every disciplined choir 
stand, and every heart moved by the power of gospel music.
  As she is honored for her 70th birthday and retirement this month, 
Mrs. Dorcus Curry Thigpen stands as Mississippi gospel legend

[[Page E513]]

whose service has blessed generations and whose impact will continue to 
echo through the church, the choir, and the lives of all she has 
touched.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and 
celebrating Mrs. Dorcus Curry Thigpen for her extraodinary 
contributions to gospel music, Christian ministry, mentorship, and the 
cultural legacy of the great State of Mississippi.

                          ____________________