The Shreveport Times

Obituaries

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Corinne Carver Abington

Grand Cane Cemetery

Corinne Carver Abington, "Me Maw", went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 20, 2008 after a brief illness. Corinne was born January 28, 1922 in Mooringsport, Louisiana to George and Ina Carver who owned a general store. She attended Mooringsport High School where she was awarded the honors of State Spelling Bee Champion and Miss Mooringsport. After graduation she attended what was Normal State College in Natchitoches, Louisiana where she met Bill Abington. They were married on June 27, 1941. When World War II broke out, Bill joined the Army Air Corp and Corinne followed him and worked on bases in Ohio, North Carolina and Miami, Florida. They returned to rural Caddo Parish after the war ended.

While her children were in school, Corinne stayed at home and was active in Greenwood High School PTA. Throughout her children's school years she served as a 4-H volunteer and official chaperone for their extra-curricular activities and trips. She was active in the Greenwood Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and singing in the choir. When the family moved closer to Keatchie, Louisiana, Corinne continued her church work at Keatchie Baptist Church. She served as several star points and Worthy Grand Matron in Keatchie Chapter 220 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She worked part time as a bookkeeper at several local cattle auctions and then full time at the Gloster, Louisiana Post Office until her retirement. After her husband's death in 1995, Corinne served out his term on the Sabine Authority and continued to serve on the DeSoto Parish Council on Aging, Library Board and Tourist Bureau until 2006 when her health declined. She was active in both the DeSoto and Caddo Homemaker's Clubs and served several terms as her club's president. She was also an active member of the Keatchie Heritage Society for many years. A full believer in life-long learning until her illness, Corinne read and kept up-to-date on current issues, especially those concerning the nutrition and safety of her family. She was generous to the charities she supported and taught her children to give of themselves to make the world a better place.

In 1989, Corinne and Bill sponsored Rita and Emma Puentes of Rincon De Romos, Aguascalientes, Mexico to come to live with them and attend North DeSoto High School. Corinne, at the age of 67, was again active in the PTA. She taught the girls English, how to cook and other necessary skills. Both girls flourished under the family's care and they and their families still consider her their "Mima". Corinne and Bill also supported a church for the Mexican community around Keatchie.

Corinne was preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Abington; daughter, Louise Abington; mother and father, George William and Ina Woodham Carver; grandparents, Joe and Beulah Carver; her aunt, Ollie Williams; nephew, M.J. Shauberger; and nieces, Karen Abington and Sue Cole Franklin.

Left to carry on her legacy and cherish her memory are her daughter, Michele "Shellye" Abington-Cooper of Plaquemine, Louisiana; son, George Michael "Mike" Abington and his wife Katheryn Myrick Abington; grandson, Major Ray Cooper and his wife Kate Stubblefield Cooper; granddaughter, Elizabeth Claire "Liz" Abington; and great-grandsons, Jared Samuel and Zane Henry Cooper all of San Antonio, Texas; nieces, Mary Louise Franklin Shauberger of Madison, Alabama and Kelly Abington Hamm of Shreveport, Louisiana; nephew, Billy Franklin and his wife Ottie Franklin of Grand Cane, Louisiana; three grandnieces; four grandnephews; longtime friend, Daisy Johnson; and the children of her heart, Debbie Kappen Lombardino of Bowling Green, Missouri, CMS USAF Bob Anderson of Seymour, Missouri, Pedro Puentes, of Keatchie, Louisiana, Rita Sanchez of Mexico City, Mexico, Emma Puentes, Veronica Delgadillo Puentes and Thomas Puentes all of Rincon De Romos Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Honoring Corinne by serving as her pallbearers are Ray Cooper, Dennis Cooper, Pedro Puentes, Enrique Maldonado, Severn Doughty, Bob Lee, John Sasser and John Fleckenstein. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Anderson, Chief Master Sergeant USAF, Retired and Harry Hucklebridge, an old and dear friend.

The family owes an debt of gratitude to care giver Pedro Puentes, without whose love and care "Mima's" quality of life throughout the last few years would have been greatly diminished. They also wish to thank Dr. David Abdehou, his nurse Sue and the staff of Supra Home Health for Corinne's care throughout the past years. A special thanks goes to the third floor nursing staff, in particular Heather, Marichu, Myra, Kelli and Lynette of Willis-Knighton South and Drs. Michael Aura and Randy Del Mundo during her last illness. Your tender care, love and support made this sad time much easier for all.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Polk Street in Mansfield. The funeral will be held at Rose-Neath at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 with the Reverend Don Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the Grand Cane Cemetery.

Thise who wish to send memorials may do so to the DeSoto Parish Library, DeSoto Parish Library Foundation or the charity of their choice. Rose Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield