Carrie Corbin

Carrie Corbin was a woman who was hard to miss as her smile could brighten even the darkest of days. She had an unending love for her children and as mothers go, Carrie was hard to beat. She was always thinking of others, often brightening the days of those she cared about with a simple card that said so much. Although Carries life was not without hardship, she brought such joy to those around her each and every day. It was easy to see that she delighted in the children and grandchildren who have now become her lasting legacy. The year 1960 was a memorable year for many Americans as it was during this year that John F. Kennedy became our youngest President after defeating Richard Nixon, Elvis Presley returned to American soil after serving in the military overseas, and the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. This was also a memorable year in the family of Franklin and Norma (Madison) Corbin as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Carrie Frances, on March 23rd. Carrie was born in Detroit, Michigan, as the oldest in a blended family of eight children. Carries youngest years were spent in Detroit where she used to attend Tigers games with her father. When she was still quite young Carries parents divorced, and Carrie and her siblings stayed with her mother. Her mother remarried for a short time and during this time Carrie and her siblings formed a singing group that performed at area schools. She eventually moved to West Michigan where their family moved around quite a bit and Carrie consequently attended many different schools. Childhood was not always easy for Carrie and when times got rough, she often found solace in her Grandma Perrys kitchen where she learned to make the best cheesecake. She played the coronet in the junior high band and graduated from Orchard View High School. A short time later, Carrie joined the United States Marines with a desire to prove that she could hang with the men. She went through basic training at Parris Island in South Carolina and then went on to electronics school where she met Terry Henson. He was in the Navy and attended the same military school. They dated, fell in love, and Carrie became pregnant. Not long after, Carrie and Terry got married and she was discharged from the Marines. They made a road trip across the country with little cash, coasting down the hills to save money. The couple arrived in San Diego with nothing but Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, and baby Josh. Although their marriage ended in divorce not long after, Carrie delighted in the child who was a result of their union. As a single mother, Carrie stayed with relatives in Hawaii for a time before returning to Muskegon. Once in Michigan, she lived with her grandparents and attended Muskegon Business College. During this time, Carrie re-established a good relationship with her biological father that became a steady rock for her throughout the rest of his life. Life turned a different corner for Carrie when she met a man named Carl Mayberry while attending Muskegon Apostolic Tabernacle. They dated and were married in August of 1984. Carl joined the Air Force, and they lived in California for three years before returning to Muskegon. The couple was blessed with the births of three children together: Alisa in 1985, Philip in 1986, and Nickalaus in 1987. They moved around a bit in Muskegon before settling on the north side so their children could attend Reeths-Puffer Schools. There was nothing Carrie treasured more than being a mother. She was very involved in the lives of her children, attending all of their activities. She was an active band parent and also enjoyed going to football games. They took memorable family vacations together including a car trip to Cedar Point and back by way of the Mackinac Bridge. Trips to Boston and Daytona Beach were also treasured family times. In so many ways, Carrie was an extraordinary mother, and she could stretch a dollar like no other. She could always find the best bargains and was able to do a lot with little. Carrie worked at times, too. She secured employment at Hillcrest Nursing Home before becoming a court clerk for the Muskegon County 60th District Court. After 12 years, Carries marriage to Carl ended in divorce. Throughout her life, family played such an important role in Carries life. She became very close to her sister Hollie and together, the sisters loved going to concerts. As her children grew older, she came alongside them as they entered new phases in their lives. Carrie helped plan her childrens weddings, and nothing could have prepared her for the joy she would find in becoming a grandmother. She assisted with the births of her grandchildren and even with the births of other relatives babies. Every year Carrie had priceless Christmas themed pictures taken with her grandchildren. Over the years, Carrie struggled with depression at times, which began early in her childhood. The more recent death of her father was an extremely difficult time for her, and she was never really able to come to grips with his absence. Carrie never wanted to be a burden to anyone so many of her struggles were internal battles that she dealt with alone. Carrie Corbin was a woman with that something special that was so hard to miss. She could always bring laughter to those around her even though she struggled with her own challenges at times. Carrie was one of those women who seemed tailor made to be a mother and grandmother and whose greatest happiness was wrapped up in her family. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will be forever grateful for the precious moments they were given to share with such a remarkable woman. Carrie will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Carrie F. Corbin died Friday, April 30, 2010. Carries family includes her 3 sons, Joshua (Ryan Gladey) Henson of Florida, Philip (Heather) Mayberry of Washington, D.C., and Nickalaus Mayberry of North Muskegon; 1 daughter, Alisa (Jeff) Saint Amour of Muskegon; 2 grandchildren, Konnor & Delaney Saint Amour; mother, Norma (Don) Sumara; siblings, Hollie (Gary) Moody, Lori Strickland, Ronald Corbin, Kim (Duke) Graham, Paula Corbin, Joseph Corbin, and JaCinda Sumara; aunt, Jackie (Bill) Farnquist; and step-mother, Patricia Corbin. Carrie was preceded in death by her father, Frank Corbin, brother, Frank Corbin Jr., and niece, Destinee Moody. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Michael Keller officiating. Visit with Carries friends and family on Monday, 6-8 p.m. & Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Every Woman's Place.