Obituary for Charles Edward Corbett
The Life Story of Charles Edward Corbett
Charles was born July 9, 1942, in Norfolk, VA. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in the Philippines, Guam, Vietnam, Germany, England, and Space Systems Command at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1964, his unit was awarded the Outstanding Service medal by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. After he left the Service, Charles made Los Angeles, CA his home.
During this time, Charles embarked on a lifetime of community engagement and service. He attended Antioch University studying Public Administration, City/Urban Community and Regional Planning receiving Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. He worked as a consultant and organizers for many Los Angeles initiatives focusing on the Watts. area. Also, he was a member of Rep. Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center Community Advisory Board for 10 years. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of the Great L.A. Community Action Agency for which he received commendation. In 2013, Charles moved back home to Norfolk, VA. He was able to spend many years alongside his elderly mother who loved having her son back home. Just as he had done in California, Charles joined community service organizations in Norfolk. He worked with the Lambert's Point community association, New Virginia Majority, City of Norfolk Office of Elections, etc. A few of the issues he cared about were health, education, voter participation, coal dust effects, veterans and many others.
Sadly, Charles was called home on January 14, 2023. He was predeceased by his father, Johnnie T. Corbett, Sr., mother, Mary Russell Corbett, brothers, Johnnie T. Corbett, Jr. and William R. Corbett. He is survived by his four loving sisters, Pat A. Mason, Velva D. Corbett, Celestine L. Humphrey and Joyce M. Cowell (Percy), a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues.
Charles was born July 9, 1942, in Norfolk, VA. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in the Philippines, Guam, Vietnam, Germany, England, and Space Systems Command at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1964, his unit was awarded the Outstanding Service medal by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. After he left the Service, Charles made Los Angeles, CA his home.
During this time, Charles embarked on a lifetime of community engagement and service. He attended Antioch University studying Public Administration, City/Urban Community and Regional Planning receiving Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. He worked as a consultant and organizers for many Los Angeles initiatives focusing on the Watts. area. Also, he was a member of Rep. Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center Community Advisory Board for 10 years. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of the Great L.A. Community Action Agency for which he received commendation. In 2013, Charles moved back home to Norfolk, VA. He was able to spend many years alongside his elderly mother who loved having her son back home. Just as he had done in California, Charles joined community service organizations in Norfolk. He worked with the Lambert's Point community association, New Virginia Majority, City of Norfolk Office of Elections, etc. A few of the issues he cared about were health, education, voter participation, coal dust effects, veterans and many others.
Sadly, Charles was called home on January 14, 2023. He was predeceased by his father, Johnnie T. Corbett, Sr., mother, Mary Russell Corbett, brothers, Johnnie T. Corbett, Jr. and William R. Corbett. He is survived by his four loving sisters, Pat A. Mason, Velva D. Corbett, Celestine L. Humphrey and Joyce M. Cowell (Percy), a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues.