Jean Corlett

She is survived by her daughter, Carole Donahey (Patrick) of Jacksonville; son, Stephen Corlett (Leslie) of Hoover, and 3 grandchildren: Tyler, Lucas, and Campbell.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Clifton S. Corlett; father, Frances Lloyd Templer and mother, Norma Christine Templer; twin sister, Carole Joan Martens; grandparents, Rev. A. L. Bridges, Sr. (Della).

Mrs. Corlett attended University of Miami and Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, with B.A. degree in elementary education, and extending education at Bob Jones University. Her elementary teaching experience began at David Fairchild, Boston, Leisure City, Gulfstream, and Faith Christian where she was awarded “The Master Teacher” award, and Ft. McClellan, in the states of Alabama, Colorado, and Florida.

God blessed her with a love and an accomplishment of music. In 1985 to present she had taught piano to over 350 students, organized and directed the following: choral and handbell director for Northside Junior High School; an adult/youth handbell choir and Music Maker children’s choir. She accompanied the youth choir and evening worship services, Baraca’s Sunday School Dept., played the flute in the orchestra, played on the organ, was a soprano soloist, member of the ladies’ ensemble and adult singing choir at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. Other accomplishments were directing the Women’s Missionary Society, president of the Baptist Women’s Group, leader of the Centennial Celebration of the church’s founding anniversary, and youth Sunday School teacher. Her service was over a span of 28 ½ years.

For 27 ½ years, she organized and directed 4 handbell choirs, a pre-school and Carol choir at First United Methodist Church. She also supplied as a director, organist or pianist for the following churches: Antioch Baptist-Bynum, First Presbyterian-Anniston/Jacksonville, Church of the Good Shepherd-where she had served as choir director/organist/pianist since 2007, First United Methodist; Grace Episcopal Church; Leyden Hills Presbyterian, Sacred Heart Catholic and St. Charles Catholic, Sixteenth Street Presbyterian and Sanctuary Church of God.

She worked with Alexandria H.S. Choral Dept., Weaver H.S., and White Plains H.S. Band and Choral Dept. for special programs and competitions. Mrs. Corlett was an organist, pianist, and soloist for weddings, funerals, and altruistic clubs in the area. She taught music at Good Shepherd and St. Mark’s Kindergarten program for 4 years.

She was musical director for several plays with C.A.S.T., acting in one of them. She taught music at Faith Christian School to grades 1-3 for chapel and special programs and accompanied students for the Alabama Vocal Association from Faith, Oxford, and White Plains. She loved working with the A Cappella Choir at JSU, accompanying applied vocal students, also singing in the Civic Chorale and Oxford Community Chorus.

Mrs. Corlett served 2 years as president for the Mutual Improvement Club, and was president and recording secretary for the Windsor Study Club. She was also a financial supporter of Meals-on-Wheels, participated in the Red Cross Blood Drive, and worked the poll booths.

Funeral services for Mrs. Corlett will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Oxford with Rev. Delaney Holloway officiating. The family would like to welcome friends at 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to service time.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.chapelhillfh.com