Coralie H. Batson

Coralie Virginia Harris Batson, of Dover, Delaware, celebrated her 89th birthday on May 5, 2019, while being a resident of the Silver Lake Center. She was the daughter of the late Clifton H. and Margaret S. Harris. On Monday, May 6, she quietly departed this life at 8:55 a.m. Coralie received her early education through the 9th grade at the Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in Bridgeville. The following two years, she attended Frederick Douglass, in Seaford and her high school years in Dover at the State College for Colored Students, now known as Delaware State University. In 1951, Coralie married Samuel B. Batson. From this union Inez, Brenda, Carletta, Constance, Samuel II, and Joseph were born. Coralie accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Bridgeville, under the pastorage of the late Reverend Daniel G. Waters. She served faithfully. She represented the young adults at several conventions. After her marriage, her membership changed. She became a fully committed and dedicated member of the East Clarence Street Church of God, where she belonged to the mass choir and served on the usher board. Following her husband, who became an employee of the Dover Air Force Base, the family relocated to Dover. She continued her spiritual growth at New Hope United Holy Church, Hartly, under the watchful eye of the late Reverend George M. Cuthbertson. There she was the church secretary, a Trustee, member of various choirs and an usher. Coralie was employed at the Peebles Department Store, Seaford. She was the first black cashier in that chain of stores. After 24 1/2 years at the Dover Air Force Base Commissary as a cashier, she retired. Being out of the work force for several years, Coralie eventually returned to work and became a judiciary file clerk for the State of Delaware in the Family Court department. Coralie’s pastime was traveling. A few places that she visited included: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Aruba, the Bahamas, London, and Jerusalem and multiple states within the USA. With the help of her mother, co-workers, family, and friends, she started an international wall of over 300 mugs. She will be remembered for her expertise – SEWING! She sewed professionally and fashioned her designs with style, class and don’t forget those beautiful hats. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Cooking large family dinners when they all could be together, pleased her unconditionally. She did whatever she could for her children, no questions asked. Coralie was a no-nonsense person and that characteristic benefitted so many as she gained their respect. Preceding her in death, were her parents; husband; and two brothers, Carroll and Robert “Pete” Harris. Those cherishing her memories are her children; two sons-in-law, Bishop Lester Jones and Bishop Asa Armbrister; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Daniel Harris (Bettye); sisters, Agusta Carr-Ross, Cleo Blake, and Mary Lee Thompson; goddaughter, Jayne Carr Alexander, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mom to her children, mom-mom to her grands, mee-mom to her great-grands, Aunt Coralie, Ms. Batson, will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Coralie H. Batson

May 5, 1930 - May 6, 2019