Descendants of Gus & Lillie Corbitt

CHARLES HENRY THURMAN

(December 5, 1936 – October 22, 2014)

 

 

Charles Henry Thurman was born to the late Charlie Thurman and Gwendolyn Corbitt Thurman in Aiken County, Salley, South Carolina, where he lived with his paternal grandmother Dorsey Thurman until the age of 5 years.  After which he moved to Philadelphia, P.A., to live with his mother Gwendolyn.  Charles (better known as Henry) attended Philadelphia School System and graduated from Dobbins High School in 1954.

 

Charles joined the Army Forces in 1952 and served for 3 years.  He then worked for the Government and in 1998, retired after 40 years of service at the United States Postal Service.

 

Charles was an avid reader and was known for his extensive athletic abilities.  In his early years, he loved the sport of Body Building and Weightlifting and many other sports.  He travelled the world and was able to speak several languages fluently including, Spanish, German, and some French.

 

He was known for his rich, deep voice, his colorful way of dressing and his love for dancing.  In spite of any obstacles, Charles Henry knew how to enjoy life.

 

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Thurman; his mother, Gwendolyn Stephens and his brother Etholyn Corbitt.

 

He leaves to mourn one daughter, Tanya Downing; one granddaughter, Margo Grier; an aunt, Asenath Ferguson; an uncle, Wyman Corbitt; a nephew, Gregory Corbitt; two nieces, Yolanda Corbitt Jackson (Lamont) and Wanda Pauling (Kenny); along with several great nieces and nephews; and host of cousins, surrogate family, close friends, and associates.