Jean Blue Corey

Jean Nivens Blue Corey was born September 16, 1935, in Monroe, North Carolina to the late David Cecil Blue and Bertha Nivens. She is preceded in death by her sister, Gwendolyn Yvonne Felton. Jean received her formal education in the North Carolina and New York School systems. After graduating from high school, Jean continued her education at Johnson C. Smith University where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education. Although Jean excelled in this area while at Johnson C. Smith, she had a passion for reading and literacy. This led Jean to the University of Illinois, at Champaign, Illinois where she would earn a master’s degree in library science. Jean heard the voice of God at a young age and spent many hours studying the Bible and Keys to the Scriptures. She was led by her faith, believing that God is ever present and when called upon He would hear and answer your prayers. She was a praying woman and lived by faith, never wavering, and always speaking faith over all she did. During her later years, she joined her son at the Abundant Life Church of Christ, where she would open her heart to receive Jesus in the fullness of “Joy”. Jean Nivens Blue was united in holy matrimony with Charles Deford Corey Sr. on August 1, 1959, in Charlotte, NC. Their union was blessed with two children. Later the two would go their separate ways but always remained friends and a light to their children and grandchildren. Jean was a servant who believed in education. Jean began her career at Norfolk State University as a librarian. After sharing her love with students at Norfolk State University she accepted a job with Portsmouth School District, accepting a position as a librarian at Woodrow Wilson High School. Again, led by the belief that she could do more, she accepted a position with Norfolk Public Schools at Roberts Park Elementary School. There she could share the love of reading with our youngest readers. Feeling there was more she was put on this earth to do; she retired from Norfolk Public Schools and accepted the call to become a nurse in the Christian Science Field. Jean trained and served as a nurse in Charlton Manor England before returning to the United States for her assignment at Lynn House, in Alexandria, VA. Jean served well and retired at the turn of the century to travel, serve more, and spend time with family. Jean enjoyed Reading, Traveling, Music, and the Arts. She was loving, thoughtful, adventurous, strong-willed, and a minimalist. She realized you didn’t need a lot in this world, just faith, family, and a heart to serve. Jean leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Avraham Yisrael (Tehillah) and David E. Corey (Sonya); 7 grandchildren, Yahmassiach Yisrael, Candice Corey White (Jabari), Christin Corey (Margarita), Christal Corey Terrell (Denzel), Domonique Corey, Noelani Corey Barr (Kevin) and Zachary Corey (Jeneeva); 13 great-grandchildren; niece, Valerie Gamble, Cyndee Corey; and a host of relatives.

Tributes

Jean Blue Corey

September 16, 1935 - August 17, 2024