Saida Marshall McCorkle

1935 - 2023

Saida Marshall McCorkle
October 6, 1935 - March 26, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - Saida Albertine "Teeny" Marshall McCorkle, 87, died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Southminster Retirement Community. Teeny was born on October 6, 1935, in Gastonia, NC to Zona Withers Marshall and Sam Keesler Marshall. She was named after both of her grandmothers, Saida and Albertine, and was known to all as "Teeny."
A lifelong North Carolinian, Teeny attended Gaston County schools where she excelled academically and served as student body president, a cheerleader, and was involved in many clubs and organizations. She made her debut with The Shelby Debutante Ball and graduated from Sacred Heart College in Belmont.
In the early days of a 37-year marriage to James Thomas McCorkle and while working at Celanese Corporation, Teeny and Jim lived at Selwyn Village in Charlotte where many lifelong friendships began. She started playing bridge with a group of friends who met monthly for over sixty years even as the card table evolved to a lunch table. Teeny joked that the "Bridge Club" had not actually played bridge in decades.
Her community service continued throughout her life. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Teeny faithfully served on the Vestry, Altar Guild, and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. A devoted gardener, Teeny's talents were best displayed in her role overseeing the church memorial garden. She was a member of The Lazarus Team, assisting bereaved families at funerals and receptions. Volunteering at the Charlotte Rescue Mission and the Charlotte Salvation Army Women's Shelter reflected Teeny's commitment to the city where she lived since 1960.
An avid reader, Teeny could often be found with a novel or biography in hand. She had a keen interest in antiques, fine china, fresh flowers, and she loved to entertain. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was happiest during family vacations to Topsail Beach and Pawley's Island. Her trips to New York, London, and Paris with her children were among her most recent cherished memories, including a surprise opportunity to tour Buckingham Palace. She was grateful for the wonderful residents and staff at Southminster Retirement Community.
Teeny was known for her graciousness and dry wit. Her family realizes what they will miss most about her is how much she loved each of them.
Teeny is survived by her children, James Thomas McCorkle, Jr., and Catherine McCorkle Houghland and her husband, Gray; her grandchildren, Caroline Parke Houghland, Ann Keesler Houghland, and James Thomas McCorkle, III. Also surviving are her niece, Margaret Marshall Harkey and her husband, Jeff; nephews, James Raymond Haygood, Jr. and his wife, Jackie, Daniel Marshal Haygood and his wife, Monica, and David Withers Haygood and his wife, Lynn. She was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Marshall Haygood, and brother, Sam Keesler Marshall, Jr. both of Raleigh, NC.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. The family receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory Teeny to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 2701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.