Beatrice Carolyn Corley, a devout Christian, doting mother, wise counselor, loyal friend and loving sister answered the call of her Lord and Savior on October 7, 2018. She was born July 15, 1918 in Belle Vernon, PA and resided in Hallsworth House, Monessen, PA, where she recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Beatrice was the wife of the late Major Feldman Corley and the daughter of the late Margaret Kenney Perry.
As she was more familiarly known, “Bea” was the mother of son, Major Kenney Corley (Noryne) of Monessen, PA, daughter, Mary Margaret Brown of Missouri City, TX, foster daughter, Hortense “Teenie” Maddox of Charleroi, PA; brother, James Leroy McDowell (Mary) of Holliswood, NY; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren; one goddaughter, Lenier Baird of Columbus, OH, and one godson, David Maddox of Rochester, NY; one sister-in-law, Laverne Crenshaw, Inkster, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Bea began her service in the army of the Lord at Speers Street A. M. E. Church, Belle Vernon, PA. Adulthood brought her to Monessen, where she joined Wayman A. M. E. Church in 1941.
From 1942 to 1947, she directed the youth choir. In 1956, Beatrice played the instrumental role of forming and directing the children’s choir which later became the youth choir. From the time she joined Wayman until the late sixties, Beatrice served as a Sunday school teacher.
Also, she was a member of the Pastor Aides, president of the Constant Workers Class, secretary of the Virginia Boyer Missionary Society and Church Choir Director. For over thirty years, she was a member of the Trustee board and held many positions including President Emeritus. Although she never officially held the title of church pianist, Beatrice was the “relief” pianist and organist for many years.
Along with her husband, Bea was instrumental in the reconstruction of the church after it was destroyed by fire in 1955. The family contributions include two pews, a stained glass window, the lectern, an offertory table, the choir chairs, bibles, the kitchen sink and stove, an ambulatory walkway and inside ramp and innumerous hours of labor. She successfully completed her education in the public schools of Belle Vernon and Charleroi, PA.
The Monessen Redevelopment Authority formerly employed her as the Assistant Social Director. She was a charter member of the State of Pennsylvania’s Nutrition Aides. While working in this capacity, she was the compiler of, ‘Everyday People Cookbook’, which was published in 1973.
She touched the lives of many children of many generations in the capacity of Girl Scout leader and a Teacher’s Aide for the Monessen Public School System. Also, she worked for many years in the Monessen Elementary School’s Grandparent Program. Bea was a member of the Meals-On-Wheels Executive Board, past president of United Church Women of Monessen, past president of the Mon Valley Senior Action Council of the Southwestern PA, Area Agency On Aging, Inc., and a former member of the Monongahela Valley Branch of the NAACP.
Fraternally, she was a member of Star of Bethlehem Chapter #34, OES-PHA. PA, Monessen. PA.
She was Past Matron, as well as having served the chapter in the offices of secretary and treasurer. On the district level, she served as the 11th District as District Chairman for Ways & Means, Education, New Members and Protocol. In addition to serving as secretary, Sister Corley served as District Deputy Grand Matron and District Lecturer.
The family would like to thank Hallsworth House, its staff (present and former) for the loving care bestowed upon our Mother for the past six and one-half years. Also, we would like to convey our thanks to ViaQuest Home Health and Hospice for their services.
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