Barbara A. Corum, 93, wife of the late James H. Corum Jr., entered eternal rest to be with our Lord and Savior, on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Pottstown Hospital. Barbara was born on Monday, November 3, 1930 at Harlem Hospital in New York City.
Those of us who knew her well recognized her mathematical prowess and organizational skills. Barbara possessed superior diligence throughout her schooling. She graduated from Bushwick High School, Brooklyn, New York and went on to attend Brooklyn College for accounting.
Barbara liked to think of herself as a New York City girl even though she spent the better part of her life in Montgomery County. She often reminisced her early childhood life on “the stoop” in Harlem and Brooklyn during the Harlem Renaissance era. She recalled sightings of Duke Ellington, one of the greatest-jazz composers and numerous famous performers that frequented The Apollo Theater and The Cotton Club in 1940’s.
On August 18, 1951 she was united in marriage to Pvt. James H. Corum Jr. at the home of bride’s family in Brooklyn, New York. The ceremony was performed by the uncle of the bridegroom, the Reverend William D. Corum. Soon after, they moved to Pottstown and brought forth three daughters Jenneen, Andrea and Lisa (deceased). Barbara loved to entertain. Through the years, she’d welcome her family, friends and neighbors on many occasions by setting out her finest china, polished silver and unique glassware on crisp white linens. Her specialty that everyone looked forward to ended with the long traditions of past generations of baked goods that were all crafted from scratch. After retiring she found enjoyment in playing golf and participating in SilverSneakers chair exercise classes while she was physically able and enjoyed frequent trips to Shady Maple.
Heaven was rejoicing when Barbara accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 3,1972. She was baptized by water immersion on Sunday, March 4, 1973 at Second Baptist Church, Pottstown PA., by Reverend David Minus Jr. She continued to serve God at Bethel A.M.E. Church and Second Baptist Church: on the Education Committee, Mass Choir, Missionary and Pastor’s Aide Ministries. She had quite a collection of gospel music, of which The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir was her favorite.
Barbara like her husband was civic and community minded. She was a member of the Montgomery County Links (Main Line Chapter), Montgomery County Negro Business and Professional Women, PMMC Volunteer and Youth Aide Program. Board member of VNA, Pottstown, and Senior Center YMCA. She was also active in the RSVP-Protégé Mentoring Program, and Ombudsmen of Montgomery County,
She was preceded in death by parents, Roger and Edna (Anderson) Kelly; sister, Rosemary (Kelly) Brooks) and husband, James H. Corum, Jr. Survived by daughters, Deaconess Andi Corum, Devon, PA and Jenneen (Corum) Flamer and husband, Michael, Winter Garden, Florida; grandson’s M. Khary Flamer, Oreland, PA. and Jared Flamer and wife, Sara, Harleysville, PA. and great-grandsons, Brayden Flamer and Lonnie Nash and Millicent (Corum) Marable-sister-in-law, as well as, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held privately by the family at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Community Church (575 N Keim St, Pottstown, PA 19464) in Barbara’s name.