Rosalie Neal Corbin

Rosalie Corbin, born on September 28, 1930, in Salisbury, Maryland, transitioned on May 3, 2021, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Reverend Monroe R. Parker, Mrs. Flora M. Parker Collins and Mrs. Monroe R. (Dorothy M.) Parker. Rosalie received her early Christian education at the former Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, in Parsonsburg, Maryland. Her formal education began in the Wicomico County Schools of Maryland and continued in the Philadelphia School District. A praying mother, Rosalie held many positions and earned several titles. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse, touching many lives. All titles paled in comparison to “wife” and “mother”. She taught her children how to love God as they navigated in a world of uncertainty, as well as during adversity. She helped to ensure her sons knew how to love and protect each other. Rose taught her only daughter, Renee, how to be graceful and strong. Proudly, Rose sometimes remarked, “Renee gets on the road and drives a truck (tour bus) like a man.” Rosalie and Reverend Neal shared their home temporarily with two siblings. She gladly and intermittently shared an integral role in the spiritual upbringing and overall guidance of many of her grandchildren, and a niece, Khyra. During the early 1960’s (1961-63), Rosalie took a leap of faith as a businesswoman. She and her husband, Charles Corbin, owned and operated a restaurant, Hoagie Haven, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She did most of the cooking during her shift. Young Vaughn, her son, tried to assist as he observed his beloved mother honing her entrepreneurial skills. The year 1964, marked the beginning of Rosalie’s journey as First Lady Elect. Her husband, Reverend Arthur Neal, accepted the pastorate at New Providence Baptist Church in El Reno, Oklahoma. They continued their mission in Oklahoma at United Baptist Church. Later Reverend Neal, with his first lady at his side, founded and pastored Harrison Street Baptist Church. Upon their return to Salisbury, Maryland, in 1973, they joined Mills Memorial Baptist Temple. Here, Rose became a member and served faithfully in the Deaconess and Trustee ministries. Through the years, Rosalie remained active, even after retirement, as long as her health prevailed. From the MAC Center, to the local Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County Library, and the church, her hands were never idle. With a flair for fashion, Rose always embraced occasions that required dress clothes. She enjoyed accessorizing with animal print designs. Her hallmarks included scarves, pillbox hats, and gloves. Rosalie encountered many challenges throughout her lifetime. Gratefully, by the grace of God, she survived all of them. Although small in stature, she was not weak. She had developed a special strength, spiritually and emotionally, which remained until the end. Our beloved Rose, was a great conversationalist. Even during her senior years, she was able to lead interesting talks, while waiting for the evening news broadcast. Rosalie was predeceased by her parents and husbands, as well as sons, Curtis B. “Chico” Parker and Charles T. Corbin; youngest brother, Timothy Parker; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis, Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Nettie Johnson and Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Bessie Ellis; and in-laws, Mr. Charles Brown Corbin and Mrs. Beatrice Corbin. Rosalie leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Vaughn Alan Corbin (Kadidra) of Florida; Gene Corbin (Barbara) of Pennsylvania, Darryl Corbin, Renee Corbin Robinson and Dwayne Corbin, all of Maryland. Additionally, she leaves four brothers, Bishop Monroe R. Parker, Jr. (Prophetess Tonia) of Alabama, Earl Parker of Maryland, Gene Parker (Cora) of Virginia and Genesis Parker of Maryland; two sisters, Agnes Fouhey (James) of Massachusetts and Minister M. Fay Wilson (Reverend John) of Virginia, and a sisterly cousin, Mildred Collins. Also left to cherish her memory and continue a legacy of faith, hope and love, are approximately twenty grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Good night, Rosalie. May you rest in peace. We will see you and hear your voice again, in the morning…

Rosalie Neal Corbin

September 28, 1930 - May 3, 2021