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Shirleye Corbin Obituary
Born Aug. 16, 1941, in Hobgood, N.C., to Alfred and Lucinda Mabry, Shirleye was the second of four children. Her giving and fun loving spirit made her a caring mother, a loving family member, and a devoted friend. Laughter was a gift that she would kindly give to anyone in her presence. Mae, as she was affectionately called, grew up in Newport News. In 1958, she graduated from Huntington High School and received a Bachelor's Degree from Norfolk State University in 1962. She married Robert Corbin I and from this union three children were born. Planning gatherings and reunions was her specialty. She enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, and as a nurturer, she made certain that everyone was having a great time. Shirleye retired after almost four decades of teaching Health and Physical Education in Norfolk Public School System. In 1998, she joined Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News and remained an active member.
Those who will continue to celebrate her life includes her son, Robert Corbin II; daughters, Ericka Corbin Lassiter (Kwamie), Lydia Corbin of Chandler, Ariz.; brother, Cleveland Mabry (Cynthia) of Newport News, Va.; sister, Vanessa Mabry of Hampton, Va.; grandchildren, Eric Lassiter, Kwamie Lassiter II, Kwinton Lassiter, Kwincy Lassiter; aunts, Carrie Pender, Lena Mae Cason of Alexandria, Va.; sisters-in-law, Gloria Mabry, Marion Randall, Annette Cohill, Eunice Ellis; brothers-in-law, Harold Corbin, Hollis Corbin, and Webster Corbin; nephews, Reginald Mabry, Jeffrey Mabry; nieces, Sonya Mabry, Antoinette Mabry, Nicolia Mabry; grandnephew, Senegal Mabry; grandnieces, Breana Miller, Aaliyah Miller; and a host of loving family and friends.
Shirleye was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Corbin I; parents, Alfred and Lucinda Mabry; and brother, Alfred Mabry Jr.
A Memorial Celebration will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 3509 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirleye Corbin
Bobby Corbin
November 15, 2009
I will never get used to living without my mother, there were a thousands unrealized dreams I had for us. The promise of Jehovah God, through Jesus' undeserved sacrifice, I will be able to you see again. I know its real, but I still miss her so much.
Momma, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I love You
Beulah M Davis, HHS 71
November 11, 2009
Vanessa and Family,
All I can remember about Shirleye was a big beautiful smile and a gut wrenching laugh. She seemed so full of life and happiness.
I exend my heartfelt condolences to each of you at the loss of Shirleye. Certainly, she meant so much to each of you in many different ways.
As I read the condolences, I can see that Shirleye left a legacy to you and those who knew her. That is so wonderful.
I pray for your comfort in times to come. Allow yourselves to feel the pain of your loss for God knows and cares.
Be encoraged and blessed.
Kim Hopson - Hale
November 4, 2009
To The Corbin and Mabry Family;
It saddens my heart to hear that god has called Shirleye home. Shirleye, who was like an aunt to me as her parents were like grandparents to me will be missed dearly. Always down to earth and so full of life is how I will remember Shirleye. To my extended family; May the beautiful memories shared with Shirleye as a brother, sister, mom, aunt or grandmother provide you comfort during this time of mourning and everafter. Love You All
Celestine Dunlap-Dinkins
October 26, 2009
To Corbin Family
Love never disappears for prays is a powerful tool. My Family will be praying for your family for GOD know best. Love your old classmate and friend.
Marion Corbin Randall
October 26, 2009
Shirleye was a sister not a sister-in-law. We had awesome times together.I will always remember spending time with Shirleye before she left for Phoenix, AZ. God will comfort your family always. Love forever,
Francine Silver
October 25, 2009
To the Family,
I extend my condolences. Even though Shirleye is gone, keep the memories alive. She was a wonderful person to have known....full of love and she enjoyed living. When I think of "family reunions", I think of Shirleye for she was a planner of all sorts of activities and loved doing it.
She even got me to plan reunions and every year, she and I would say...this is my last year for this.
LAKISHA STRINGFIELD
October 24, 2009
YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. A BEAUTIFUL LIFE GONE TOO SOON. WE SEND OR CONDOLENCES. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY.LOVED ALWAYS.LAKISHA STRINGFIELD, THE DAVIS FAMILY, JEANETTE,LARRY AND ALL OF OUR FAMILY.
Laura Holmes
October 24, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived
Van, Cle and the rest of the family your have my heartfelt condolences and prayers. I will always remember Mae's shining sprit and the family gatherings.
Love and Prayers
Jackie (Laura Holmes)
Sean Sykes
October 24, 2009
After reading several of these comments, it was so nice to see that Cuddin Mae touched everyone the same way. She was full of joy and had no problem spreading it. I know the Angel's can't stop laughing now!
The Sykes Family
CYNTHIA DAVIS
October 24, 2009
REST IN PEACE SHIRLEY. YOU WILL BE MISSED. CAN'T BELIEVE YO ARE GONE. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. SHE WAS LOVE.
CYNTHIA DAVIS
CYNTHIA DAVIS
October 24, 2009
REST IN PEACE SHIRLEY. YOU WILL BE MISSED. CAN'T BELIEVE YO ARE GONE. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. SHE WAS LOVE.
CYNTHIA DAVIS
Frank Watson
October 24, 2009
Shirley, May God bless your family;
May you RIP.
Your distant cousin: Frank Watson
Tommie Hibbler
October 24, 2009
To The Corbin Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most
difficult time.
Take care of yourselves and God will do the rest.
Jocelyn Howard
October 23, 2009
Vanessa,
Our family would like to extend our condolences to you and your family. From the time the Mabrys moved in our block of 29th Street, carpooling to Nofolk, Shirleye was always a person to keep you laughing. I will always remember Shirleye as a happy. caring person.
MORRIS SMITH
October 23, 2009
My family and I was saddened to hear of Shirleye's passing. We began our teaching careers together at Ruffner Jr. High School in Norfolk, VA as strong advocates for young people. There was never a dull moment, as our days were always filled with clean wholesome fun and laughter. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Morris and Bettye Montgomery Smith
Virginia Saloka
October 23, 2009
Vanessa,
Please know that I appreciated your prayers in my time of need and send my prayers in your time of need. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Love,
Virginia Saloka
Ronald Curtis
October 23, 2009
To Cle and Family:
Our hearts were saddened to hear about Shirleye's passing. We remember sharing laughter with her at many of the family/friends' gatherings. She will be truly missed. May God's loving presence be with you and your family.
Woodrena & Ron Curtis
George Jolly
October 23, 2009
The Huntington High School Alumni Washington DC Metro Chapter extends our condolence to the family of Shirleye M. Corbin. She was also one of our family.
Ruth "Baybay" Smith
October 23, 2009
To: Cleboy and Vannie,
Bobby, Cissy, Lydia and the Mabry & Corbin Families.
I have fond memories of the days I spent with Shirleye -- as part of the 29th street family; I fondly recall her spending a lot of time with the neighborhood young folk; she kept us physically fit and encouraged us to get a good education. Shirleye was not only a "school" teacher; she was an admired neighborhood teacher and most of all she was a friend.
I extend my sincere condolences at Shirleye's passing. I pray for your renewed strength at this difficult time.
Be encouraged and blessed.
W. Cissy Francis
October 22, 2009
Ericka and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. GOD bless your family.
Carl, Cissy and the boys
Phyllis Williams
October 22, 2009
A heart of gold stopped beating. Two shining eyes at rest. God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the best. God knows you had to leave us, But you didn't go alone, For part of us went with you, The day He took you home. To some you will be forgotten, To others, just part of the past, But to us who loved you and lost you, Your memory will always last.
linda boone
October 22, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
linda Boone
October 22, 2009
My prayers go out to the family of Shiryele Corbin during this time of bereavement. When I came to Northside I work with Mrs.Powell and that how I met your mother. She welcome me with warm arms and I came to love her dearly. I will truly miss her.
October 21, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Your mother was one of a kind. I was a student in her very first class at Ruffner Jr. High School (1963). She was tough, but she inspired me to become very active and competitive in sports until my early adulthood. She would always say, Sharon you can do better and somehow I always did. To make things sweeter, years later, she taught my daughter and two of my nieces at North Side Jr. High. They loved her and always talked of the fun they had in her class doing her favorite dance, the "Electric Slide". I will never forget her. She inspired me as a teacher and helped prepare me for life. I have been employed with the Government for 36 years and I feel I owe some of my success to Shirleye Corbin. She will be truly missed.
Sharon Randall Washington and Family
October 21, 2009
Bobby, Cissy and Lydia,
It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of Shirleye's death. We want to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Shirleye was more than just a wonderful aunt; she was a close friend and comedian. Shirleye will always remain within our hearts, and we have included your family in our daily prayers. God saw Shirleye getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around Shirleye and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you passed away. Although we loved her dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Remember, we will always be there for you!
Shirley Howerton-Barrow
October 20, 2009
To the Corbin Family
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Your mother was a wonderful and fun loving person. We go back to the Carver and Huntington days! She was a true viking and I a true trojan! We played basketball and softball against each other, the Blue Dots and the Newports! Those were the days! She's ok now, no more sickness, no more pain! I will miss her. Just remember the good times. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Dannel Snowden
October 19, 2009
Vanessa, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you Dannel & Benson Snowden
Clara "Bobbie" Jones
October 19, 2009
Bobby, Cissy and Lydia; We will always remember Shirleye and the happiness she bought to OUR family. She is being missed already. You are in our prayers. Susie Rumble, Thomas and Pamela Jones, and Clara Jones
October 19, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear.
We share your grief.
Elsie and Sonya Sykes
Frances Hayes
October 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 19, 2009
Shirleye's love for her family was remarkable, we will never replace it but we will always remember and cherish it. I pray God will sustain you with His prefect peace during this time of bereavement.
Barbara and Ben Braswell
Cary North Carolina
Evelyn Burrell Daniels
October 19, 2009
Lydia, I was sorry to hear of the lost of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your fond memories bring you comfort.
Herbert Perry
October 19, 2009
You have our prayers and deepest sympathies. The Perrys - Herb Bettye & Kim
Bobbie (twin) Davis Person
October 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Our families were so close growing up. I will always have you in my heart. Shirleye will always be remembered as the gym teacher who helped us exercise in the middle of 29th street (smile). What memories our families will always share! To Cleveland, Vannie, and Alfred. God love you, and God bless you.
October 18, 2009
Lydia, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal!
O'dea L. Albea
October 18, 2009
Lydia,
My condolences go out to you and your family on the lost of the your mother. No that your mom is in a far better place, rejoicing with the Angels, looking over you and your family. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy. Remember, God never gives us more than we can bear. Stay strong and close together with your siblings, as your mom would want you to be.
My deepest sympathy,
October 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers goes out to Shirley's children and family.
Betty Jarvis
Beatrice Delores Jeffries
October 18, 2009
My condolences to the family of my dear friend Shirleye. I share your grief. I will cherish the wonderful memories we shared from first grade to our 50th high school reunion forever. What a time we had. I will miss her.
Delores
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