Corprew Funeral Home Inc. was founded by John H. Corprew in 1918. Corprew Funeral Home was first operated in the 300 block of Chestnut Street. John H. Corprew was also accompanied by his brother Edinburgh G. Corprew, Sr.. The two of them operated the business, leaving the 300 block Chestnut Street and moving to 901 Glasgow Street. John H. Corprew founded and operated from 1918 until 1937. After the passing of the late John H. Corprew, Edinburgh G. Corprew, Sr. took ownership of the business in 1937, which he soon moved to 211 Chestnut Street and later became 415 Chestnut Street due to redevelopment in the City of Portsmouth.
Edinburgh Corprew, Sr. later married Maggie Harris and they had a son Edinburgh G. Corprew, Jr. affectionally known as “Tip”. Edinburgh and Maggie both operated the business together from the late 1930’s until 1960. In 1960, Edinburgh Corprew, Sr. passed away leaving Maggie H. Corprew in charge. Maggie H. Corprew operated the business for a short term while on 415 Chestnut Street. The business was moved in 1968 to where it is currently operated, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd. Maggie H. Corprew operated the Corprew Funeral Home business for over twenty-five years.
She was one of the first black women funeral directress in the City of Portsmouth. Mrs. Corprew was known for her fancy hats and being well dressed. She also was a member of the Norfolk / Portsmouth Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, member of the Virginia Mortician Association and a member of the National Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association. Maggie H. Corprew operated the establishment until 1994 when it was then taken on by the third generation, Edinburgh G. Corprew, Jr. was affectionally known as “Tip”.
Mr. Corprew was well known to his city for serving on a two-term City Council and also as Vice Mayor. He also held an office as president of the Virginia State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Mr. Corprew was a member of the Norfolk Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association and a member of the Virginia Mortician Association. Mr. Corprew was known for his kind-heart and helping serve the public with professionalism. Corprew Funeral Home Inc. is known for professional, service with dignity. The legacy of Corprew Funeral Home Inc. continues with a fourth generation.