Corrine James Beckwith's Obituary
Our loving Mom (or Mimi to the Grandkids), Corrine James Beckwith, peacefully entered her heavenly home to meet her Savior Jesus Christ, her husband, and many relatives and friends early on Derby Day morning, May 4th, 2024. Corrine was 92 and was preceded in death by her parents William Henry and Ora Mae James, her husband W. S. (Whitey) Beckwith, Jr, her sister Wanda Hooten (and brother-in-law, John), sister-in-law Jane M James and nephew Dan James.
Corrine was born August 12,1931 to William Henry and Ora Mae James in Louisville KY. She grew up in Louisville and attended Louisville Girls High School. She met the love of her life on October 6, 1951, in Lexington KY at the University of Kentucky vs Ga Tech football game. Our dad was serving at Ft. Knox. Since he was from Georgia and University of Georgia alum, he also supported the ‘other’ Georgia team. They married on Dec 12,1952, in Louisville, KY, and Corrine quickly became a Georgia Bulldog fan.
They moved, made their home, and raised their children in Jackson MS for the next 37 years. Corrine had so many friends and was well known for her famous Sour Cream Coffee cake. She constantly made the cakes to give away for any occasion or any reason. Corrine was active in both Wesley Methodist church in Jackson and was a charter member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison MS. She was an active volunteer wherever there was a need. Many times, she would chair fund raising events for multiple charities including March of Dimes. She loved filling her time doing things for other people and was a caregiver to her husband and her mother. Corrine later moved to Bonita Springs, FL where she could live near her three siblings. Boy, did they have fun! She also volunteered at her new church in the Thrift Shop.
Corrine is survived by two siblings: William F. James of Matthews, NC and her sister Marjorie (Ron) Bassler of Bonita Springs, FL and many nieces and nephews. Her children: W. S. (Beck) Beckwith III (Lee Ann) of Germantown TN, Susan Martin (Dwayne) of LaGrange, KY and Laurie French (Harold) of Hixson, TN. Her grandchildren: Matthew Martin (Jill), Kristen Van Meter (Nick), Stuart French (Adelia), William French and Callie Beckwith. Great Grandchildren Ainsley, Elizabeth and Annemarie Martin and Graham Van Meter.
Corrine was a super mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, gardener and friend to all. Corrine loved people and she was dearly loved. Her family also thought she was the best cook ever!
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ Church Memphis, 4488 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN 38117. Please memo for the Missions & Outreach or Music Ministry. Funeral services will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Poplar Avenue. Visitation will be Saturday, May 11th beginning at 9:30 am with the funeral service and service of celebration at 11am. The interment will follow in the cemetery of Memorial Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Corrine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Corrine?
Share a story where Corrine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Corrine you’ll never forget.
How did Corrine make you smile?