Karen Corbitt Mack

Karen (Kay-Reen) Corbitt Mack

Kay-Reen was born in May 1915 during the time of World War I. Kay-Reen was the fourth child and the first daughter born to Gus and Lillie Corbitt. She married Elvin Mack Sr. and together they moved to Philadelphia. She had one son, Elvin Mack Jr. and three grandchildren.

Kay-Reen and Mack Sr. quickly became important fixtures in the North Philadelphia community often reaching out to less fortunate people and providing a warm meal to the hungry, transportation to the markets and doctors for the needy and consolation to those who felt loss in their way. Her home was always open to her neighbors. She worked full-time as a seamstress at K & D Clothing until her retirement in 1981.

Kay-Reen was a proud member of Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church. Every July she joyfully brought her family to Oakey Spring for the Revival. She would return for Christmas every year until she passed. She loved her family, her 8 brothers and 5 sisters. Her son was her greatest joy as were his children. She loved to cook and loved to spend as much time as possible with her family. She passed in the spring of 1982.

I was young (28 years old) when my Grandmother passed so thinking she would live to be 100, I spent my time being her spoiled grandson. I never thought of things like pictures for posterity. I used to pick her up from work but didn't know the name of the company she worked for. I'd see her friends visit but did not get to know them. I didn't see the forest for the trees. I never asked her how her life was when she was young. I never asked what impact the changes in technology (cars, color TV, phones in the home, etc.,) had on her life. I don't know if she graduated from high school or if she even went to high school. Bunny and I had the good fortune that when our father and mother divorced, we were taken to the Grandparents Mack and lived with them for 7 years. It was so special for us. She was so proud of us and showed us so much love that it really helped to mold our self-esteem at a tough time in the lives of a 6 year old and a 4 year old.

Her importance in the community was quite evident during this period. As with everything else, I wish I could go back and ask her so many questions but most importantly get one more great big hug from that fantastic woman. (A Grandsons memory, a Grandsons LOVE)

She was much loved.

Kelvin Mack

Great-Grand Son of Gus & Lillie