Carolyn J. Garrett

Carolyn Jean Newby was born December 7, 1943 as the seventh child to Magnus and Gabrella Newby in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a graduate of I. C. Norcom High School and Portsmouth Beauty School where she received her certificate of beauty becoming a licensed Cosmetologist. She is predeceased by her siblings Lloyd Newby, Milton “Man” Newby, Carlise Dancy, Lucille Taliferro, Robert “Mouse” Newby, Melvin Newby and a step-daughter Donice Kellam.

She married twice to the late John C. Faulks and the late Earl L. Garrett; and from those unions she birthed two daughters and two sons. She later met her special friend of 40 years, the late Edinburgh G. “Tip” Corprew, from which fruit birthed her last child.

Carolyn worked as an employee for Smithfield Packing Co and General Electrics, Company. In 1993, she founded JEMS Banquet Facility that served the community successfully and continues as a family legacy business.  She organized events for the statesmen, City Officials, local churches, community-based businesses, and the community at large.

Carolyn was a no-nonsense person known for her fashion, loving spirit, and benevolence to others in need. She read her Bible daily, had a deep faith in The Lord, and instilled the word of God in her children and in all who came to know her. Whether at home or through her business she housed and employed an open-door spirit, whereas, she never met a soul that she turned away. She resided in the Mount Hermon community for 70+ years, exemplifying the meaning of “neighbor”. Throughout her years on Ash Street she took care of the sick, provided shelter and clothed those in need, and did what she loved most–provided home-cooked meals. Through her faith in God she was a true action based servant leader of the community uplifting the Gospel of Matthew 25:35-40.

Survived by her children Cynthia D. Faulks, Michael E. Faulks (Genevieve), Roselaind G. Faulks, Everett L. Faulks, Tracee Corprew-Hawk (Corey), and step children Thomas E. Garrett & Earlvena G. Woodard. Her grandchildren Tywana N. Faulks, Donte L. Ellis, Kayla K. Willis, Morgan J. Faulks, Gabrielle S. Simmington, Dominique J. Corprew, Bailey Faulks, and Madisyn Corprew-Hawk, Natasha Jones, Christina Jones, and Deby-Earl Jones Jr. Her great-granddaughter Chelsea Joseph. A host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Viewing will be held at Corprew Funeral Home on Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 12 noon to 8 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019, 11 am at Celestial Baptist Church, 1439 Mt. Vernon Ave., Portsmouth, VA  23707.  Entombment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 3920 Airline Blvd., Chesapeake, VA  23321.