Corine Wagoner

Born with a veil over her face when she entered this world one cold January day, Corine Wagoner (nee Davis) could not conceive what life would bring beyond the veil. Indeed, it consisted of early poverty, hard work, little formal education, hard work, unhappy marriage, heartaches, eight children, hard work, financial struggle, traveling, a keen interest in life, and an abiding trust in the LORD God through Jesus Christ along the journey. Life began for Corine in Harrah, Okla. on Jan. 20, 1926, with parents John McHenry Sr. and Minnie Lee Davis. While John sometimes worked manual labor jobs, other times he traveled the Oklahoma outbacks as an evangelist. Minnie Lee cared for their growing brood as best she could with the help of her two oldest daughters, Vermelia and Corine. When the family moved to Okla. City, they became active members of the Church of God in Christ denomination. That involvement continued when Corine’s father moved the family to Roswell, NM in the 1940s. Corine briefly attended Carver Elementary School, the school for black children, then began working different jobs to assist the family. Sometimes that meant picking cotton alongside her family. Or it meant working in various Roswell homes as a domestic housekeeper. She desired being a nurse. At 19 years old, she married Frank L. Wagoner, Sr. on Dec. 24, 1945. After several years of troubled married life, the two permanently separated. He left New Mexico while Corine stayed in Roswell to raise their children. During those years, Corine instilled in them how to pray to the Lord, service to the Lord, reading the Word, love of reading and learning, the value of work, and how to keep a clean home. She learned how to mix the blocks of cheese, dry milk, dried eggs and other commodities she received from public assistance to make delicious meals. At one point, she trained as a caterer, and would bring home samples of exotic dishes. She enjoyed growing gardens, and in the place she called “the ghetto,” she raised a small area abounding with tall stalks of corn, collard greens, watermelons, cucumbers and other vegetables. At another home, chrysanthemums, roses and other flowers blossomed in their glory. For much of her childhood years and early adult life, she walked to her destinations. With her children in tow, she would trek to the store, to church, the library, the laundry, downtown, to Main Street for the Eastern New Mexico State Fair parade, and later to the fairgrounds for the fair. In her later years, she relished walking in Cahoon Park, or in her neighborhood. The Joy Center was a place she learned to enjoy. She also delighted in traveling to visit kinfolks in Okla. City, or later to travel with her children to Hawaii, Florida, Austin, South Carolina, and other places. During her ventures, Corine steadfastly kept praising God. She tried to praise Him in her life¸ while at times making some bad choices (as we all do). She praised in singing and in words. She opened her mouth and sounded a strong voice. She was also known for her radiant smile. Corine was a faithful member of St. Paul C.O.G.I.C., and also attended Washington Chapel Worship Center. She will be sorely missed as she has overcome the veil. Corine departed on July 19, 2011. Preceding her death are her parents, four brothers: Elijah¸ Isaiah, Samuel, Solomon, Paul, and John McHenry Davis Jr.; and two sisters, Pearl and Vermelia Black. She is survived by her husband, Frank, who was recently reunited with the family. She also leaves her eight children: Darlene Berry, Austin; Frank Wagoner Jr. (Laurie), Phoenix, Ariz.; James Wagoner, Compton, Calif.; Betty Hollins, Houston; Freddie Wagoner, Irving, Texas; Nancy Wagoner; Steve Wagoner (Earnestine); and Alice Wagoner all of Roswell, NM. Surviving sisters include Alberta Applewhite, Albuq., NM; Joyce Louise Terrell, Manor, Texas; Doris D. Walker, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Rosea Lee Stevenson (Stephen), San Antonio, Texas; and Ann Margaret Helton, Roswell, NM. Surviving brothers include: William L. Davis (Eunice), Aurora, Colo.; and Sampson Leroy Davis, Roswell, NM. Grandchildren include Cathy, Robert, Corine, Carla, James, Michael, Paul, Matthew, Tiffany, Melissa, Sule, Ayana, Kemba, Joshua, and special granddaughter, Sayku and her son Josiah. Corine also leaves 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Services are scheduled Tuesday, July 26, 1 p.m. at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. Public viewing begins Sunday, July 24, 2-8 p.m., and Monday, July 25, 8 – 5 p.m. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Corine Wagoner

January 20, 1926 - July 19, 2011