Corinne (Bowman) Stenson

UTICA – In a moment of her own peace, Corinne (Bowman) Stenson, age 76, went home to the Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2023. At the time of her passing she was in the hearts and minds of those who loved her most. Born in Alcolu, South Carolina on October 30, 1947, Corinne was the daughter of the late Alexander Bowman and Maude Wells. As a young woman, Corinne came to Utica to be closer to her family here. Her first child was Johnnie Mae, her second was Alvetta, her third was Rosemary, her fourth was the late Charles, her fifth was Willie, then Gary, followed by Christina, and Beatrice. What a blessing to their mother each of them was. As life unfolded, she had a great and unique bond with each of them. Corinne was blessed when she wed Rev. King Solomon Stenson. Together, they opened their home at 157 Hobart St. to family and friends, creating an abode filled with warmth and laughter. King treated her like a queen and made their family life a tapestry of happiness and loving memories until he preceded her on April 21, 1996. Her career was as multifaceted as the woman herself, starting as a domestic for Utica families, then as an aide at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and later as a valued staff member of the Housekeeping Department at the Hotel Utica. Yet, it was her role as a mother where she truly shone, taking care of her children with an enormous heart and soul. She was nothing short of amazing, often opening her door to provide a calm environment not just for her children, but for any children in need, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom she lovingly raised. Corinne was a strong and honest woman who knew the needs and individual personalities of her family members. Her humble spirit and hard-working nature enabled her to put food on the table and enrich her home. Every evening at 4:30, she would have dinner on the table. She made the best stuffing, ribs, hams, and collard greens, she was a true Southern cuisine cook. Her boundless energy to ignite the annual family 4th of July cookout created endless memories for all. When the time came that she could no longer do it alone, Corinne gladly passed her culinary traditions on to the next generation. Because she had such a large family, holiday get-togethers were a special time to chat and check up on one another; these were occasions that no one wanted to miss. Corinne really knew how to communicate with her loved ones. She was the one who kept tabs on all her children and the generations that followed. She was a great storyteller, especially about her experiences throughout the years of her life. The stories were interesting and amazing as she truly made the best of her life. She was a positive force, and all came to seek her advice and counsel. Corinne was tender and became very affectionate in her later years. She was responsible and unassuming, and her legacy will live on in the energy of her loved ones. Corinne was very investigative and especially liked watching all the crime shows, as well as the old school shows. The sounds of Gospel and all different genres of music always filled her home. Corinne was a true believer and took pride in being a good Christian. Her greatest blessing was teaching her children to have humble hearts and to know the Lord. Corinne's legacy is carried on by her children, Johnnie Mae and Norman Phillips, Alvetta Fryson, Rosemary Bowman, Willie Bowman, Gary Bowman, Christina Palmer Stenson, and Beatrice Stenson. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Edward Bowman. She also leaves 16 grandchildren, especially Jahvetta Garrett, Jermaine Bowman, Takeya Phillips, Quadeedra Palmer, and Malcom Palmer, whom she raised and they called her Ma. Always close to her heart was the memory of her granddaughter, Tanesha Sessoms who preceded her. Additionally left to cherish her memory are 25 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Joe Louis, Wilhemenia McBride, John Bowman, and Bessie Anne Bell. She was preceded by her sisters, Janie Mae Wilson, and Williot McBride. She will remain in the hearts of a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins; and in-laws, Laura Griffin, Ernestine Goldwire, Sandra Fisher, Rose Blocker, Carrie Blocker, Jimmy and Gloria Stenson, Johnny Stenson, George and Victoria Blocker, Melvin Blocker, and Calvin and Yolanda Blocker. Corinne was additionally preceded by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Beatrice Blocker; in-laws, Edward Lawrence David Blocker, Frank Blocker, Jr., and Georgia Mae Rayton; and a nephew, Nikia Stenson. The family wishes to thank the medical staff that tended to Corinne during her time of need. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Corinne’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Corinne (Bowman) Stenson

October 30, 1947 - December 3, 2023