Arnetta Nichols-Corprew

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Arnetta Nichols Corprew took her final flight home to Heaven.
Born on March 21, 1943, to Arthur and Vernetta Nichols, Arnetta was the youngest child of their union. She was raised in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland areas, where she began a life filled with passion, elegance, and adventure. After graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton Institute.
A free spirit and lover of the arts, fashion, good music, and travel, Arnetta lived life with grace and authenticity. Her love for fashion led her to Boston, where she worked at the iconic Jordan Marsh department store and later became a buyer. Eventually, her passion for travel took flight-literally-when she graduated from American Airlines Stewardess College in 1968, a career she pursued for over 30 years.
Stationed in New York City for more than two decades, Arnetta embraced everything the city had to offer-its vibrant nightlife, rich culture, renowned museums, and, most importantly, lifelong friendships. It was in New York that she met the love of her life, Robert Corprew, a Hampton classmate, through mutual friends, Colson and Velda Turner. The two were married on September 5, 1987, and began their new life together in Seattle, Washington, and worked diligently to support Hampton University and its Seattle Alumni Chapter.
While in Seattle, Arnetta worked the international route between Seattle and Tokyo, Japan. Even after the Seattle hub closed, her dedication led her to commute to Dallas to continue flying to Tokyo. She fell in love with Japanese culture and began learning the language. Arnetta cherished her visits to Yen stores and delighted in collecting beautiful kimonos, art, and unique gifts for her family and friends.
Arnetta's lifelong love for the arts, learning, and leadership was evident in all she pursued. She nurtured this passion through regular visits to the Seattle Japanese Garden and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, where she also served as a volunteer docent. Her creative spirit led her to explore glassblowing and ceramics, always seeking new ways to express herself and grow. Arnetta's character and leadership were recognized by the United Negro College Fund, which honored her with the Distinguished Leadership Award. Her dedication to excellence in service was also acknowledged by American Airlines, where she received the prestigious Professional Flight Attendant Award-the highest standard in public flight service. Later in life, her commitment to learning and caring for others guided her to earn a caregiving certificate through Renton Technical College's Aging & Disability Services program.
Incredibly, at the age of 72, Arnetta became a certified yoga instructor. Passionate about wellness and healing, she especially loved sharing the practice with cancer patients, offering both physical guidance and emotional support. Known for her keen eye and gentle corrections, she took pride in helping others improve their posture, and often smiled when her yoga friends guessed she was in her 50s.
Arnetta was a woman of strong faith and a devoted member of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent, Washington. She actively served in the Usher and Decorating Ministries and joyfully contributed handmade fabric eggs for the church's Christmas and New Year celebrations. She strongly believed the best way to share God's amazing love and grace was to share some of that love and grace with others. A pillar of strength in her life, her church community embraced her with deep love and steadfast support, particularly in the difficult times following Robert's passing and during her illness.
Arnetta will be remembered for her radiant smile, warm laughter, stylish presence, captivating storytelling, and unwavering grace. She was truly one of a kind.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Corprew; her parents, Arthur and Vernetta Nichols; and her sister, Iolene Delois Moore.
Arnetta leaves behind a legacy of love and joy, cherished by her nephew and caregiver, Milton (Carol) Moore; nephews, Sean Moore and Roger (Tanya) Corprew; niece, Rhonda Corprew; great-nieces, Amber (Jeremy) Hyman, Jasmine (Ashley) Moore, Sabrina (Abe) Ochoa, and Nayah Corprew; great-nephews, DeAndre McNair and Savion Corprew; and a host of great-great nieces and nephews and extended family and dedicated friends.
Viewing:
Monday, June 2, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
268 Holladay Street
Suffolk, VA
Celebration of Life:
COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE
Monday, June 2, 2025
11:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
268 Holladay Street
Suffolk, VA
Laid to Rest:
Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery
5310 Milners Road
Suffolk, VA