Mother Corena King Columbus

Mother Corena King Columbus, 93, of Washington N.C., passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mother Corena King Columbus was a committed servant of God, departed this earthly life for eternal and peaceful rest and welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at home.

Mother Columbus was born on March 22, 1931, in Beaufort County, North Carolina in a small community of Hunter Bridge to the late Timothy King and the late Eather Chapman King who preceded her in death.

She received her education in the public school of Beaufort County in a one room schoolhouse that had one teacher that taught seven classes.

At the age of 19 Corena married Jessie Columbus along with his two children (Ernest and Joan). To this union they were also blessed with six other children. She was raised on a farm, married a farmer, and worked on the farm until her husband retired from farming. She was employed at Roses as a cook and worked at Ted Dave Washington Crab Company for ten years. For about 11 years she did volunteer work at several of the nursing homes in the area, and volunteered at Eagle Wings until her health began to fail in 2010.

Mother Columbus spiritual journey began in 1952 when she attended the Washington Height Church of God and at 24 years old, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She was a member of the House of Prayer where she was a Sunday School Teacher and a faithful and dedicated member of Little Grove Holiness Church for several years.  Her final place of worship was a member of the 9th Street Church of God (presently known as the Cornerstone Family Worship Center) and she recognize her pastor to be Bishop James McIntyre. She served as Chairman of the Kitchen and Hospitality Auxiliary, member of the Ladies Willing Workers Committee, and various other committees. A faithful servant and aways giving of herself and serving others, and in 1964 she was ordained as a mother of the church while also serving as an usher for 33 years. A couple of her favorite scriptures were the 23rd Psalms and Psalms 121. Even though she was not a good singer, you would often hear her humming the song “Hold to God ‘s Unchanging Hand.”

Mother Columbus enjoyed watching Judge Judy, doing Bible Word Search Puzzles, knitting, and crocheting. She enjoyed walking with other sisters in the church before her health began to fail. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and of course, fishing at Havens Gardens – where often time she would minister to those that sat down beside her to talk. They needed someone to listen to them talk about their problems, concerns, and issues they were having in their life. For some reason they knew, whatever they talked about, she would not tell anyone what was said during their conversation. Being led by God, she would impart words of wisdom and encouragement from God’s word. Often time they would return, to let her know what she told them really encouraged and helped them in their time of need.

Mother Columbus was a devoted wife and is preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband Jessie Columbus (May 1984). Three children: Jasper (Boy/Jap), Joan (Boot) and Ernest (Nump). Two sons-in-law, Bobby Brown, and Ed Hamrick, two brothers and four sisters.

Mother Columbus leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Katherine Hamrick, Kannapolis, NC; Lucy Pritchard Cox (Randy), Winterville, NC; Jessie Columbus (Cindy), Williamston, NC; Janice Banks (Nat), Washington, NC; and Leonard Columbus (Patricia), Chocowinity, NC, two daughters-in-law, Carolyn Columbus, and Yvette Norman. 26 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, a host of godchildren, one brother, Butler King, Washington, NC, two sisters: Elsie Jenkins, Wilmington, NC; and Lorena Allen, Hamden, CT, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary & Cremation Services, 906 W. 15th Street, Washington, N.C.

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