James Edward Corum, III

James Edward Corum, III, known affectionately as Donnie, was born January 31, 1954 to the late James E. and Mary Robinson Corum. Donnie peacefully entered into eternal rest at his home in Charlotte North Carolina on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Baptized by the late Reverend Norman W. Smith on October 18, 1973, Donnie sang in the Gospel Chorus, participated in Sunday School, and other church events. His journey of faith continued as an ordained Deacon at Rhema Worship Center in North Carolina under the leadership of Pastor Freddie Forte, Sr. While at Rhema, he was also a faithful member of the Men’s Ministry where he enjoyed going out in the community to do mission work.

Donnie attended Fauquier County Public Schools until the eighth grade. At a young age he decided to join his father in the family construction business. He used these skills to lay the foundations of countless properties across Virginia and North Carolina.

On December 4, 1971, in Rectortown, Virginia, Donnie married his school-aged sweetheart, Sharon Irene White. This union brought forth a vibrant family of two sons and three daughters. Though they faced the heartbreak of losing their daughter Shawn and son Deon, Donnie and Sharon found strength in the Lord.

Donnie had a zest for life. He loved tinkering with cars, tending to his garden and enjoying the company of loved ones. He was a fan of good ole wholesome TV. Some of his favorite shows were the Three Stooges, MAS*H, Sanford and Son , and Westerns.

In the fall, Donnie reserved his Sundays for cheering on the Washington Redskins and the Carolina Panthers. The last four years of his life, he enjoyed family & friends’ gatherings to watch his grandson, Blake Corum, excel on the football field.

With an infectious laugh and a warm presence, Donnie made everyone welcome. Family was important to him.  Super bowl Sundays, Saturday night bid whisk card parties, holiday gatherings are just a few things that brought him so much joy.  But the sparkle of his eye was his grandchildren. Everyone that knew Donnie would have a special story to share about him. Though a man of few words, his insights were always profound and impactful. His legacy of hard work and dedication is a cherished gift he passed down to the family.

In 2006 he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a condition that affected his muscles, impacting his ability to walk, use his hands and his lung strength. Despite these challenges Donnie’s spirit remained unbroken. While he could no longer work as a brick mason, he found new ways to support his loved ones and community. Donnie took on roles such as babysitting, providing transportation to others to get to work  and church and even started his own small business, “Two Men and a Wagon” performing various jobs until he qualified for disability. He had a heart for people and understood the importance of providing for his family and didn’t let his disability slow him down.

Those left to cherish Donnie’s memories are : his wife, Sharon Irene Corum; one son, James (Christina) Corum of Warrenton, VA; two daughters, Kameelah (Shawn) Blackwell of Charlotte, NC, and JaNae Corum of Mint Hill, NC; two grandsons, Blake and Jemeal; eight granddaughters, Kayla, RaShawnna, Skye, Tiara, Starr, Rainn, Jade, and Jewel; a bonus granddaughter, Keasia Clyburn; six sisters, Mary (Jerome) Washington, Sabrina (Chester, deceased) Byrd, Christine (Carl) Smith, Patricia (Bryan) Kidd, Elaine (David) Canty, and Yvonne; one aunt, Cathrine Bridgette; two brothers-in-law, Howard (Sheila) White and John White; one sister-in-law, Phyllis (Andre) Clark; his best friends, Gregory Ellison and James Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11 am until 12 pm with funeral services starting at 12 pm at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 4679 Free State Road, Marshall, VA, 20115. Pastor Rodney L. Smith, Sr. will officiate and Pastor Freddie Forte will deliver the eulogy.

Interment will be in Mt. Morris Community Cemetery, Hume, VA.

Services will be streamed live at https://youtu.be/Q4V0kwla5uk

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