DR. DARRELL THIGPEN

DARRELL EDWARD THIGPEN was born June 11, 1956 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Jordan (Sonny) Thigpen, Jr., and Helen Musgrove Thigpen.  He was raised in Laurel, Mississippi after his parents moved back in 1958.

Dr. Thigpen’s exposure to medicine began when he was in high school.  He was employed as an orderly at a state hospital where he had the opportunity to work side by side with medical staff caring for people.  During the summer of his junior year, his mother died from an aneurysm.  Unable to understand or accept that nothing could have been done medically to prevent her death, he decided to seek answers. By his senior year, he knew he wanted to become a physician.

Dr. Thigpen received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in May of 1977 from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi and met the love of his life, Denise Jones.  He acquired his Medical Doctrine from the University of Mississippi in May 1982.  He and Denise married on September 29, 1984 and relocated to Dallas, Texas where he completed residency in Internal Medicine at St. Paul Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center, from 1982-1985.  He obtained his license to practice medicine in the State of Texas in December 1984. After his residency, he worked through a public health grant with indigent patients in the Oak Cliff area for three years ending in 1988 where he was the Medical Director.  It was during this time he learned firsthand the problems that many seniors faced when trying to obtain quality health care.  It was also during this time that he decided to place a special focus on making a positive difference in the lives of the elderly through this practice.  By design, he located his practice in the Oak Cliff area.

Darrell and Denise had their one and only son, Justin Jordan, October 1, 1987.  They were blessed with one ‘treasured’ grandson, William Edward.

Dr. Thigpen was a member of Kirkwood Temple CME Church with Rev. Dr. Jerry L Christian, Senior Pastor.

Dr. Thigpen was a beloved and respected member of the Methodist Dallas Medical Center (MDMC) Medical Staff Department of Medicine since 1985 (Internal Medicine).  During his membership, he served as MDMC Medical Department Chair, Medical Executive Committee member, Medical Staff President, Corporate Medical Board member, MDMC Advisory Board member, and Board of Directors member.

Dr. Thigpen once quoted, “The key to my business success is to always acknowledge our Heavenly Father and place him first in my life.  It is by his grace and spiritual gift that I am successful.  Secondly, I have been given the essential quality needed in my business which is compassion.  I am a compassionate person. People want to know that their doctor cares.  Finally, you must treat people with respect, make decisions or recommendations for people as though they were members of your immediate family.  And you must be willing to listen and consider what the other person is saying even if it’s criticism.”

Dr. Thigpen was most proud of two positions he held and spent a significant amount of time to assist in making measurable differences in the community with emphasis on the Southern sector.  As a leader of the Medical Staff of Methodist Health Systems and member of the Board of Directors, he was able to know the healthcare needs of the community and whether those needs were being met.  His position allowed him the opportunity to drive change in how healthcare needs of the community, propose adoption of needed services when identified and respond on a one-on-one basis to issues and concerns voiced by his patients and others.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Jordan Community Development Center, he participates in two of their major programs; the Good Nests Program using medical expertise to address the health benefits of sexual abstinence to teens; and the Home Buyers/Owners Club which help people become better managers of their resources by educating them in financial literacy.

Dr. Thigpen received numerous honors, awards and held many executive positions during his successful medical career and volunteer efforts throughout the community.  Some of the most notable are: Vice President of the Charles Victor (C. V.) Roman Medical Society, a local chapter of the National Medical Association; Outstanding Service Award as Medical Director of Oak Cliff Clinics; attending Physician of the Year from the Method Hospitals of Dallas Department of Internal Medicine Residency Training Program; recipient of the Quest for Success Award, an award recognized for the success and community service of outstanding entrepreneurs in the Dallas area; and One Church One School Health Educator of the Year Award.

On November 11, 2020, God called Darrell home to eternal rest.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Denise Thigpen; son, Justin Jordan Thigpen; sisters, Betty Anderson (Rudy), Ja’nice Sparks (Shelton), Deborah King (Willie), and Anita Thigpen Johnson; brother, Wendell (Peanut) Thigpen; god-daughter, Eryana Jordan Pelican; his beloved grandson, William Edward Thigpen; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.