Obituary of Elder Corpening

Elder Robert Corpening, 91, of Greensboro, died Monday, January 10, 2011, at Wesley Long Memorial Hospital after a couple of years of declining health. He was born November 9, 1919, in Mebane (presently the area of Dante Hill), West Virginia, to the late Robert Horton and Annie Corpening Horton. Robert and his older brother, Ed, were orphaned when Robert was the tender age of six. Ed was adopted by the Davis family, but Robert was taken in and raised by his maternal relatives in Winston-Salem, NC. Hence, he became permanently established and recognized under the Corpening surname. Robert served in the United States Army during World War II. He was wounded on the Western Front in France, which resulted in the loss of a kidney. This incident ended his military service career, and he returned home to recover. After the military chapter, he attended Atkins High School in Winston-Salem to learn the plumbing trade and worked several years for Andrews Plumbing Company. In November 1967, he and his family relocated to Greensboro. Shortly thereafter, he passed the state examination to become licensed and started his own business, Corpening Plumbing Company, where he served many residents and businesses. He took much pride in his work and earned the reputation of being highly qualified, efficient, dependable, and accountable. His motto was, 'Do it right the first time, and be proud of having your name associated with a job well done.' Elder's sincere walk with the Lord started after he returned home from the war. He joined Emmanuel Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of his brother-in-law, the late Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Sr. There he served for many years as the Sunday school superintendent, and he sang in the choir. Upon being called into the preaching ministry, he accepted an assistant pastor position at another local assembly in Winston-Salem. After moving to Greensboro, Elder Corpening became affiliated with New Cedar Grove Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Monroe Fuller. He also became a member of the local 'Holy Bible Prayer Band,' a group of seniors who enjoy singing at various church events, using only their harmonious voices and no musical instruments. It was during the mid 70's that he was asked to become an advisor/counselor to a young man, the late Reverend Michael King, who had a dream of establishing and building a church. Thus, Elder became an active member of the Garden of Prayer Baptist Church until his health declined. He served as one of the associate pastors, Sunday school superintendent, and he taught a Sunday school class. Because of his wisdom, teaching, counseling, and exemplary character, church members called him 'Pop' or 'Daddy.' He was well-loved and respected by everyone who knew him. The impact he had upon the people who crossed his path was, indeed, an encounter with Christ through him. His life, his words, his actions, and reactions radiated with the love of God at home, at work, at church, and in the community. Elder Corpening is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Mack Corpening; four sons, Benjamin (Paulette), Corpening of Huntsville, AL; Walter Corpening of Butner, NC; Jerry (Wilma) Corpening and Christopher Corpening of Greensboro; seven daughters, Louella (Frank) Bailey of Fort Washington, MD, Annie Rose Corpening, Shirley Corpening, Robin (George) Strayhorn, Helen (Roger) Williamson, Velma (Al) Jones, and Cheryl Corpening, all of Greensboro; and daughter-in-law Clara Corpening of Severn, MD, who was married to Franklin Corpening, a son who preceded him in death. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren (one grandson, Christopher, son Franklin and Clara, preceded him in death), 33 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.