Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
There is a saying that states, “It's not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts.” There is some debate as to who actually first coined that phrase, but there can be no doubt that the phrase applies perfectly to Stephanie Thigpen. Thigpen passed away on June 19, 2016 when she succumbed to cancer at the young age of 29. As tragic and painful as her passing has been over the past year, it was the life she lived that made an impact on all who knew her.
On Saturday, June 17, during a memorial concert in Stephanie Thigpen's honor at the Madison Church of God, City Manager Tim Bennett presented Bryant Thigpen, Stephanie's husband, with a proclamation from the City of Madison declaring Monday, June 19, “Stephanie Thigpen Day” in the City of Madison. Part of the proclamation states, “in the face of adversity, she never wavered in her faith in God. She exhibited enormous strength in her fight against cancer. She also demonstrated integrity as she used her struggles to help and inspire others. She was loved, honored, and respected by everyone who knew her.”
For several years, Stephanie sang with her family's gospel group, the Yeomans Family, before joining her husband to form the group LifeSong. LifeSong continues to be a very popular gospel group throughout North Florida and South Georgia.
"I am very appreciative for City Manager Tim Bennett for his efforts in coming to the memorial concert and declaring June 19 as the Stephanie Thigpen Day in the City of Madison," said Thigpen. "This community has been such a blessing to me and my family since this journey began, and I couldn't be more grateful for the love and support we have been shown."
Stephanie left behind her husband, Bryant, and two children, Tripp and Brynlee.