Descendants of Gus & Lillie Corbitt

EUGENE CORBITT, SR.

(June 1, 1926 – October 12, 1985)

 

Eugene Corbitt Sr., the eleventh child of fourteen children of the late Lillie and Gus Corbitt, was born on June 1, 1926 in Neeses, South Carolina. Eugene departed this life on October 12, 1985 at East Orange General Hospital.

 

We cannot put into words how much our hearts were broken and how much we miss him. We do realize that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord knowing that our Dad is in a better place. Daddy’s jovial manner and ever present and infectious smile will remain with us always.

 

Eugene was baptized at an early age at Oakey Spring Baptist Church in Springfield, South Carolina.  He then joined the United States Army where he served for two years from 1944 to 1946 and received an honorable discharge.  After being discharged, he married Josephine Ferguson, his longtime sweetheart and to this union six children were born.  They relocated to East Orange, New Jersey, where he joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Orange, New Jersey in 1962 and became a member of the Laymen League and Male Chorus.

 

As children some of our fondest moments were playing on the floor with Daddy as he provided us with great piggy-back rides, playing some of the latest records on the Hi Fi and just dancing as a family. Can’t forget the trips to Olympic Park and Palisades Amusement Parks and our church outings to Rye Beach. Wow, our summer vacation train ride to visit the family in South Carolina. Daddy made sure we had the best Christmases ever!!!

He loved his siblings and because he was so close with Uncle Vet and Aunt Leomia, our families spent a lot of time together.  We all felt like brothers and sisters. It was the East Orange, Orange, Jersey City Connection. We can recall times when Uncle Vet would visit and we would sit around watching the New York Mets play baseball on television – simply good times!  Can’t leave out all those scrumptious desserts Aunt Lee made back on Parrow Street. Finger Lickin’ Good!!!

 

 

Dad’s employment experiences included:

A.P. Smith Pipe and Foundry Inc. Bloomfield, New Jersey                       

 

The City of East Orange Department of Public Works: Shade Tree Division, East Orange, New Jersey

                                                                           

Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey:  Maintenance Engineer  

 

He also worked part-time as a Golf Caddy and as a Haynes Panty Hose Salesmen

 

Daddy’s legacy is left to be carried on by his wife, Josephine Corbitt of East Orange, N.J.; three daughters, Joanne Brandon of Arlington, V.A., Patricia Slaughter, and Jacqueline Islam of East Orange, N.J.; three sons, Eugene Jr.,  Michael Gus of East Orange, N.J., and Elroy Alexander of Orange, N.J.; two daughters-in-law, Tobbia and Sharon; three sons-in-law, Darnel Brandon, the late Jessie Slaughter, and Abdullah Islam; eleven grandchildren, Salina, Eugenia, the late Christopher Knox, Darnel Corbitt Brandon, Patrick and Marcus Slaughter, Shakirah Islam, Courtney Louissant, Deja Corbitt, Michael Gus Jr., and Mykhal Tory Corbitt; eight great-grands, Shavaun, Tatyana, Sequan, Isaiah, Crystal and Sade Knox, Malik and Nandi Gatling; one brother, Wyman of Springfield, S.C.; one sister, Asenath Ferguson of Columbia, S.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

We love you Daddy (Our Chicken George) but God loved you best.  He called you home for eternal rest. We miss you dearly, but we know that one day we will see you again. 

 

WE KNOW THAT YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR LEGACY