Mary Elaine Corley

Mary Elaine (Walker) Corley was born August 13, 1935 to Myrtis Estelle Walker and Charlie Reed Sr. in Brookhaven, MI. She was raised in East St. Louis and attended school up to 8th grade, and at the age of 15 she relocated to Los Angeles, CA. While residing in Los Angeles she had her first child(Kenneth) with Ralph Williams. She met and married Charlie Hawkins in 1951. To this union 2 children were born (Myrtis and Terry). In 1953, she relocated to Seattle, where she remained for the rest of her life. 

In 1956, she married Ollie R. Martin. To this union 5 children were born (David, Craig, Charlotte, Gail, and Steven). She worked in the laundry industry and moved on to being a supervisor at Fircrest Mental Health Facility where she retired in 1984. In 1991, she married Milton Corley and they remained married until his passing in 2011. 

Mary loved the Lord and dedicated her life to Jesus at a young age. In 1999, she joined Gleanings Community Bible Church where she was a board member and Sunday School Superintendent. She later joined New Direction Missionary Baptist Church in 2023 where she served as church mother..

Mary loved people and more than anything she loved her family. Many people became family and she raised multiple children as her own. Some of the people she raised as her own children are: Yolanda, Kenny, LaQuana, Porscha, B'Azia, Kyeisha and many more. One of her favorite sayings is, "love covers a multitude of faults and sins." If you had a conversation with her, she has for sure shared this with you. The most important thing in her life was her family. She always wanted everyone to get along and to make sure that each and every one of us knew that she loved us unconditionally and more than anything in the world. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband's (Charlie Hawkins, Ollie Martin, and Milton Corley), children (Myrtis Hawkins, Charlotte Jones, and Kenneth Gant), daughter-in-law (Brenda Hawkins), grandchildren (LaNetta Martin and LaQuana Green) and great-grandchild (Aidrian Akens). She is survived by her children Terry Hawkins (Portia), Craig Martin (Lynda), Gail Martin, and daughter-in-law Bonnie Gant. Brother Charlie Reed Jr. (Michelle). Grandchildren: Patricia Watkins, Shelby Gant (Angelo), Marcus Gant, Yolanda Martin, Kenneth Patton (Tessa), Tericca Akens(Kenneth), Tamicca Hawkins-Brown(Tonè), Teri Hawkins-Stevens (Arthur), Mahlissa RuDel (Nina), and Kyeisha Martin. Mary had 25 great-grandchildren, and 17 great great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

    The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, calls, flowers, text messages and well wishes. This is a trying and hard time for us and we appreciate all of the love and support we have been provided. Always remember, love covers a multitude of faults and sins.

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