The Rev. Canon Matthew Thomas Locy Corkern

December 14, 1972 to April 24, 2022

With deep sadness, yet in the sure and certain promise of eternal life through the Resurrection,the family of the Rev. Canon Matthew T. L. Corkern share that he died early on Sunday morning, April 24, 2022. Matthew, 49, endured a difficult struggle with the rare combination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. A native Mississippian, Matthew was a dedicated Episcopal Priest with a heart and passion for the ministry of Christ’s love through pastoral care and spiritual formation. In parish, national, and international church ministry in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, he served faithfully from 2001 until his death.

Matthew was born on December 14, 1972, in Brookhaven, Mississippi to Thomas Locy Corkern, Jr. and Rebecca Coleman Corkern of Brookhaven. After graduating from Brookhaven High School with honors in 1991, Matthew attended the University of Richmond where he earned a BA with dual majors (1995) in Leadership Studies, (Jepson Leadership School) and History.He was Awarded the Mace Award for Most Outstanding Senior. Matthew later earned an MA in History (concentration 18 and 19 Century British history) from the University of Richmond.

In 2001, Matthew earned his Master of Divinity at Yale University along with certificates in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and Anglican Liturgy and Spirituality from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

Matthew served as seminarian at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, New Canaan, CT (1999-2001) and was ordained to the diaconate in the Diocese of Virginia on June 24, 2001. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 29, 2001, in the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC by the Right Reverend Peter Lee. He was the Associate Rector for Adult Education of St. John’s Church in McLean, VA (2001-2004), the Canon Residentiary of Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, TN (2004-2009), the 16^th Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Mobile, AL (2009-2011) and the 13^th Rector of Calvary Church in Summit, NJ (2011-2020).

In addition to his parish work, Matthew faithfully served in various leadership capacities in the Episcopal dioceses of Virginia, Tennessee, the Central Gulf Coast, and Newark. For seven years, Matthew was National Chaplain of the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church. He was an officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, served on the Graduate Society Council of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, led retreats through the Washington National Cathedral Association, and assisted in the formation of regular retreat days at The Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage.  Most recently Matthew served as Trustee and Executive Chair of FOCCUS, Friends of Canterbury Cathedral U.S. He also worked with The Compass Rose Society.  

Matthew said that his love of ministry was “to consistently ground the parish in scripture, history, and love as Christians while maintaining who we are called to be as Episcopalians and Anglicans. As a parish and a community, we are always called to serve Christ and the needs of each other and all God’s people locally, regionally, and across the nation and globe.” 

He understood that the church must recognize all ages and center all ministry in prayer, liturgy, education, fellowship, and outreach. He also believed that parishes needed to be involved in the wider community and encouraged his parishioners to work with city leaders in interfaith councils,outreach, cultural events for arts and music to create sacred space for the city and opportunities for at-risk youth. He was dedicated to building strong foundations for stewardship and parish administration which led to the restoration of several historic church properties and campuses.  

Perhaps most important to his own spiritual life was his love for pilgrimage which grew from his time at Berkeley when he and a fellow classmate, inaugurated an annual pilgrimage to Great Britain.

Throughout his life, he continued this passion and dedication with annual pilgrimages to Canterbury Cathedral, heart of the Anglican Communion.  Dean of Canterbury, the Very Reverend Robert Willis,and dear friends of this holy place blessed and sustained Matthew along his earthly pilgrim journey.

In his ministry of 20 years, Matthew led 45 pilgrimages to Great Britain, Israel, Western Europe, Albania, and many off-the-beaten paths of the world where ancient holy people and Christians walked, prayed, and spread the Gospel of Christ. His pilgrim heart wanted individuals and groups to build upon their own personal, prayerful, passionate relationships with Jesus Christ. Matthew embraced each pilgrim path, cathedral, and church for its uniqueness but most of all valued new pilgrim friends encountered in these.These spiritual journeys were transformational for all who participated and resulted in the formation of a strong community of pilgrim friends through the years.  

Matthew is remembered by all who knew him as a deeply devoted and faithful believer with a passion for liturgy and scripture, a superb intellect, boundless energy, and a smile that radiated joy and great generosity of spirit.  As priest, pilgrim, historian, genealogist, avid reader and writer, Matthew often reminded people “life is not measured in its length, but in its depth.”

A friend recently said, “Matthew touched many lives through his ministry. He was a special man with the ability to see in others their potential, the presence of God in all of us, and the best that we could be.”

Matthew is survived by his parents and his brother, Jeremy Coleman Corkern of Birmingham, AL, and his son Preston Coke-Corkern. He was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Thomas Locy Corkern, Sr. and Iris Koepp Corkern of Bogalusa, LA and Alvin Eugene Coleman and Louise May Coleman, of Mendenhall, MS as well as family friend, Arthur Eggers, Colorado Springs, CO.

He will be celebrated and remembered by his parents, brother, cherished friend, Mrs. Constance Eggers, of Colorado Springs, CO and his aunts and uncles: Hilda May Coleman of Mendenhall, MS, Edward Corkern of West Monroe, LA, Mike and Linda Corkern of Bogalusa, LA, Paul and Elyse Corkern of Barranquilla, Columbia, numerous beloved cousins and extended Corkern, Koepp and Coleman family, as well as friends and colleagues from around the world.

A Celebration of Matthew’s life will be at 11 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS with a reception to follow. His ashes will be interred at Noon on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at St. Joseph Abbey, Covington, LA with a reception to follow.

To further the legacy of the life and ministry of the Rev. Matthew Corkern, his beloved family and friends have created a trust in his name to provide scholarships and support to schools and ministries close to his heart.

Contributions may be sent to:

The Rev. Canon Matthew T.L. Corkern Trust

Wells Fargo Advisors

1020 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 100

Ridgeland, MS  39157  

Services for Mrs. Debra Gail Thompson Case are 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 28, 2022,

at Riverwood Family Funeral Service with visitation Friday, May 27, from 5:00-8:00 pm

at Riverwood and interment at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Debra Gail (Thompson) Case, age 65, passed away on May 23, 2022.

She was born June 6, 1956, in Brookhaven, Mississippi to Mike and Elsie Jean Thompson.

She attended Loyd Star High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Hinds Community College

and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She married Donald Case in December 1972

and was a loving mother to their three children: Chad, Jessica, and Craig.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Donald Case; daughter, Jessica Smith and husband, Todd;

sons, Chad Case and wife, Amy, and Craig Case, her father Mike Thompson,

brother, Michael Thompson and wife, Susan, and grandchildren Julia Smith, James Case, and Luke Case, and a host of other family members and friends.
She will be missed by all that loved her.

A memorial service for Mr. Howard Bernard White

will be 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022, at Friendship Baptist Church

with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service.

Mr. White, 62, of Brookhaven, passed from this life May 25, 2022, at his residence.

He was born in Natchez, MS, November 11, 1959, to the late Hollis Howard White and Laura Louise Seale White.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Rhondia White; his parents; and his grandson, John Titus White.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of one year, Betty White; son, Howard LaRon “Peanut” White;

daughter, Danyelle S. Owens; brother, Keith White; and sisters, Mary Dier, Debra Stoetzner,

and Joanie Rushing; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Robert Alan Cole, 69, of Bogue Chitto, passed away May 23, 2022.

He was born June 30, 1952, in Natchez, MS. to the late James Melton Cole and Clara Louise Hewitt Cole.

He served his country in the United States Army National Guard and was a Maintenance Technician

at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company.

Bobby enjoyed hunting, fishing and anything to do with his grandbabies. He is now singing and dancing pain free.

Preceding him in death were his parents. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Cole;

son, Robert Jason Cole and wife, Katie Lynn; daughter, Alexis Cole Cockrell and husband, Sturgis; brothers, Bill Cole, Brett Parks,

Monty Parks; sisters, Tina Ginn, and Tammy Cummings; along with 5 grandchildren; Haylie Burnett and husband, Barry, Jessie Grace Cole,

Axel Cole, Gunner Cole, Anna Louise Cole and great granddaughter, Eleanor Burnett. Along with numerous other family and friends.

There will be a service for Mr. Cole at a later date.

Services for Mrs. Judy Case of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Thursday, May 26, 2022,

at Riverwood Family with visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 25

at Riverwood Family and burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Judy Case, 77, passed away May 23, 2022, at her residence.
She was born May 2, 1945. Judy was a member of Church of the Way.

She loved being a homemaker, spending time with her family and

enjoyed watching her grandsons play ball.
Preceding her in death were her mother, Annie Durr, stepfather, Housten Durr,

father, Edward Ables; sister, Joyce McCartney and grandson, Brooks Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, Leston Case;

daughter, Kathy Smith; son, Les Case; brothers, Jerry Ables and wife, Michelle; sisters, Georgia Myers and husband, Hal,

Betty Johnson and husband Ruben and grandson, Cole Smith, along with numerous nieces and nephew and family and friends.

She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.

A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Dennis Rae Oberschmidt of Wesson are 11:00 am, Friday, May 27, 2022 at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church.

Mr. Dennis Rae Oberschmidt, 64, passed away May 22, 2022.

He was born December 29, 1957, in Waynesboro, MS to the late Roy and Ruby Oberschmidt. He worked as a mechanical technician and was a

member of Easthaven Baptist Church.

Dennis enjoyed many outdoor activities, some of those include baseball, softball, football, basketball, golf, hunting and fishing. Mostly, he enjoyed

spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; grandparents, Scott and Anita Oberschmidt, Perry and Ola Richardson and niece Casey Layne Chandler.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Kimberly Oberschmidt; daughters, Catherine Oberschmidt and Ruby Loren Oberschmidt; brother,

David Shawn Oberschmidt and sister, Amanda Oberschmidt. He will be missed by all that loved him.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Church of the Way, Celebrate Recovery Ministries, or NAMI of MS

Joy Amerson, 2618 Southerland st Suite 100 Jackson, MS `39216

Memorial service for Mitchell Purvis Smith will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, at Riverwood Family with visitation

from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Mitchell Purvis Smith, 72, of Wesson, passed away May 19, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, MS,

November 14, 1949, to the late Horace Hoyt Smith and Dorothy Jean Britt Smith. He was retired from the oil industry,

where he worked offshore as a driller. He spent the latter years as a truck driver. He was a devoted father and made loving

his children and grandchildren first priority. Mr. Smith was a world traveler, but also enjoyed taking the time to go hunting with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brandon Pervis Smith.

He is survived by his son, Mitchell Hoyt Smith; daughters, Stacy Case, Barbara Clark, and Brandi Michiels; brother, Wayne Smith;

uncle, Dewey Smith; nine grandchildren, Molly Allen, Hunter Bland, Ashlyn Bland, Blair Different, Zeke Clark, Olivia Ann Clark,

Maley Smith, Dylan Smith, and Charlie Joe Smith; and one great granddaughter, Natalie Rayne Luke. He is also survived by other

loving family members and friends.

Funeral service for Mr. Jesse James Butler will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 20, at Riverwood Family, with

interment in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Highway 84 West, Brookhaven. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Mr. Butler, 72, of Olive Branch, MS, passed from this life May 15, 2022. He was born in Brookhaven, January 15, 1950, to

Louis Butler and Lillian Roberts Butler. Mr. Butler worked as a Lineman and Licensed Electrician. He was a member of

Grace Church of the Nazarene. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Joseph “Jody” Butler; and his brother, Larry L. Butler.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his daughter, Manndi Butler Pugh; five grandchildren, Gage Butler, Gladen Butler,

Jesielyn Butler, Xander Pugh, and Jason Pugh. He is also survived by nephews, Chance Butler and Lane Butler; his faith family at

Grace Church of the Nazarene, his friends at Brookhaven Church of the Nazarene, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ALS Clinic of the Midsouth Wesley Neurology Clinic 1365 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138,

or St Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Funeral service for Rev. Bobby Q. Boyd will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 19, at McComb Gospel Assembly, with interment

in the Pike Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, at McComb Gospel Assembly and will

resume on Thursday, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Rev. Boyd, 72, of McComb, passed from this life and entered eternity May 14, 2022. He was born September 10, 1949, in Jayess, MS.

He surrendered into the gospel ministry and served the Lord as Pastor of McComb Gospel Assembly, for 35 years. He also

had a 25-year career with the Fred’s Corporation, where he achieved the status of North Mississippi District Manager.

He maintained the number two ranking store in Brookhaven, MS, as store manager, for numerous years. He was an accomplished

carpenter, with precise skill. His motto was “once the task has begun, never stop until it’s done. Be the task great or small, do it well or not at all.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Von and Bernice Boyd; paternal grandparents, Victor and Johnnie Boyd; maternal grandparents,

Press and Hazel Oquin; stepmother, Rachel Boyd; son, Brian Chadwick; and sister-in-law, Nola Boyd.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Penny Boyd; son, Keith Boyd (Julie); daughter, Karen Boyd (Kevin); brothers,

Billy Boyd and Tommy Boyd (Ann); sister, Hazel Deskin (Mike); five grandchildren, Kayla England (Andrew), Zachary Boyd (Payton),

Karli Riggs (Brandon), Justin Boyd, Kalli Boyd; and three great grandchildren, Toby Riggs, Loxleigh England, and Avelynn England.

He is also survived by other loving family members and friends, as well as his faith family at Gospel Assembly.

Services for Gerald Lawain Williams of Wesson are 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 18, 2022,

at Riverwood Family with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service.

Mr. Gerald Lawain Williams, 58, passed away on May 16, 2022, at his home in Wesson.

He was born on March 13, 1964, to the late Clifford lee Williams and Loraine Clark.

Gerald was a truck driver for 34 years, carpenter, and loved talking to everyone he met. He never met a stranger.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and step-father, Charlie Clark.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 35 years, Jan Williams; daughters, Amber Williams Hamilton (Joey),

and Katie Williams (Tiffany); brothers, Leon and David Williams, Mitchell, James and Kevin Clark (Stephanie);

sisters Reda Williams Avent “Sissy” Lanita Darling (Ricky); and grandson, Levi Grant Hamilton “Monkey Britches”.

He will be missed by all that loved him.

A special thank you to Deaconess Hospice for the love and compassion shown Gerald during his 8 months of care.

The family would like to give special thanks to Darlene Holcomb and Jasmine King.

Donations can be made to your favorite charity.