There are condolences waiting approval on Deacon John's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Deacon John W. Corson
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Deacon John.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Deacon John W. Corson
John Washington Corson, born on August 5, 1928, to Reverend Thomas Washington Corson and Mary Frances Gibson, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the tenth of twelve children who grew up under difficult surroundings. In spite of circumstances and environment, he increased in wisdom and statue among eleven brothers and sisters.
John attended public school and joined the Navy in 1946, where he served until 1948. After about two years of service, he received an honorable discharge. John married Nomie Lee Johnson in 1948 and to their union, they were blessed with seven children. After the death of his wife, Nomie, in 1964, John continued to raise his seven children with the help of God, family and friends.
John Corson retired from Rupaco Cardboard Corporation after many years of employment.
John W. Corson was raised in a home steeped in Christian principles, which a great influence on his life. At an early age, he connected his life with the Methodist Church, where he served on the Usher Board. Later, John changed his denomination and held memberships with First United Baptist Church and Nation Temple Baptist Church, where he served in the same capacity. John was dedicated to the Lord and joined Mt. Ephraim Tabermacle Baptist Church on January 3, 1960. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed to the Deacons Training Class, where he studied for his deaconship and was fully ordained on June 3, 1962.
John W. Corson later became a Chairman of the Board of Deacons, a member of the Trustee Board and Superintendent of Sunday school. He married Edith R. Gilchrist in 1966. John later met and married Anna L. Scott, creating a blended family with ten children total.
John W. Corson joined Holy Cross Baptist Church, where he became a Chairman of the Board of Deacons, sang on the Male Chorus and the Sanctuary Choir. Just a few of his favorite songs were: This Little Light of Mine, I Feel Good, and Jordan's River. John was a great and respected mentor to many of the Walking Deacons. He will be missed.
John W. Corson loved to pray and he loved to read the word of God. Two of his favorite scriptures were, Psalm 91 and St. John 15. John would read those scriptures twice daily, even when he was in the hospital.
John W. Corson was a Mason for over forty years; he served as a Chaplain. He was an active member until his illness, but he remained faithful.
John W. Corson loved serving the Lord. He also loved his family, fishing and traveling. John's favorite desserts were vanilla ice cream, strawberry ice cream and apple pies. He could make and awesome lemon marine pie.
John Washington Corson leaves to celebrate his life: his wife of thirty-three years, Anna L. Corson; son, Alonzo Corson; daughters, JoAnn Corson, Frances Davis, Patricia Wright, Carolyn Horsey; Deborah Scott, Shirley Scott, and Charles Scott; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of life will occur on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 Viewing: 9:00-10:30 a.m. Masonic Service: 10:30-10:50 a.m.
At Holy Cross Baptist Church 1900 North 63rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19151 Homegoing Service: 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Thursday, August 9, 2018 Beverly National Cemetery Beverly, NJ