Obituary for Corliss Sturkey
Corliss Sturkey affectionately known as “Mama” was born on January 6, 1950 in
Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Jennie Sturkey. She was a wonderful mother, grandmoth-
er, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend to so many. She had three loves of her
life, Shawn, Jerome, and Roosevelt Sturkey; her pride, dedication, and life legacy will
always be her children.
God called her home surrounded by her family on March 17, 2021 at 3:29 a.m. in
Boise, Idaho.
She was the oldest daughter of Fred and Jennie Sturkey; her oldest brother Jerome,
her younger brother Frederick and David proceeded her in death, along with her fa-
ther Fred.
She leaves behind: Her mother, Jennie and her surviving siblings Tremont, Julie, and
Charlie Sturkey.
She leaves behind to carry on her legacy, her three sons Shawn, Jerome, and Roose-
velt Sturkey along with their wives, Lolita, Christy, and Antonio. She leaves two beau-
tiful granddaughters Kristin Peterson-Thomas and Giovanna (Gigi) Sturkey. As well
as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more.
Mama devoted her life to her children and community. She became a member of the
Order of Eastern Stars; she opened Care Communications Center and served her
community until she could no longer do so. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her
family and friends. No matter who you were Mama would always feed you. She prid-
ed herself on her perfection in the kitchen.
Mama lived a full life her way, she loved hard and held you accountable. It was her
courage and unconditional love for her children that was so amazing to witness. Dur-
ing her many health battles throughout her life, know she ALWAYS defied the odds.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
To My Sons:
“Weep not for me though I have gone,
into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long.
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love, I was so blessed,
for all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not.
The fear is now all gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath.
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death.
But celebrate my life.”
~ Unknown
I want to tell you today about Mama…
Have you ever tried her caramel cake? If you said no, well then,
I am sorry you have never had caramel cake.
She was famous for her caramel cake; but it was the dash of love, pinch of
courage, and a tablespoon of strength that made every bite special.
Mama was 4 feet 10 inches, but she stood 7 feet tall; now she would be upset at
me for telling her exact height.
Mama lit up the room with her smile, the sway of her hips told you she meant
business, and her sweet perfume was like no other.
For those she loved if you called her, you knew she was coming! Mama made it
her business to protect her children and family. In her words, “the quickest way
to get to hell with me, mess with my children or my money.”
As we sit here as family and friends, I want you to understand Mama was a gift
to us all. Her uniqueness will never grace this earth again. Mama was a force to
be reckoned with, when she had that “get your stuff together”
conversation with any of us, we listened.
The impact Mama left on so many lives in her short 71 years is immeasurable,
we all can hear her now: “Common sense ain’t so common.”
“God always sends somebody.”
“I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me.”
“Keep it (the business) in the family.”
“What’s from the heart reach the heart.”
Mama shared her wisdom and advice with so many and it still rings true today.
You must respect, Mama lived her life, her way, and whether you agreed with
her methods or not, they were her methods.
Shawn, Jerome, and Roosevelt may the unconditional and undying love Mama
always had for each of you cover you forever.
Mama, may I salute you? It was truly an honor and pleasure to know you.
OPENING SENTENCES
Musical Prelude - “My God Called Me This Morning” ........................ Fairfield Four
Processional .................................................. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw and Family
Prayer .................................................................................... Earl Washington
Scripture Reading ........................................................... Pastor Wayne Wardlow
Musical Selections ...........................................................................................
“Jesus on the Mainline”& “ Sadie” ...............................................................
“Sail On” ....................................................... Lionel Richie and Tim McGraw
Obituary Reading and Tribute .............. Christy Sturkey on behalf of Shawn Sturkey
Eulogy and Sermon .................................................. Dr. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw
Brief Informal Tributes ........................................................... Family and Friends
Thank You and Acknowledgments ........ Christy Sturkey on behalf of Sturkey Family
Final Viewing and Music Selections .......................................... Family and Friends
“A Song for Mama” .................................................................. Boyz II Men
“Dance with my Father” ...................................................... Luther Vandross
Closing and Final Music Selection ..................................... Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw
“Gangsta Lean” ........................................................................................
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw, Officiating
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3
I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Jennie Sturkey. She was a wonderful mother, grandmoth-
er, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend to so many. She had three loves of her
life, Shawn, Jerome, and Roosevelt Sturkey; her pride, dedication, and life legacy will
always be her children.
God called her home surrounded by her family on March 17, 2021 at 3:29 a.m. in
Boise, Idaho.
She was the oldest daughter of Fred and Jennie Sturkey; her oldest brother Jerome,
her younger brother Frederick and David proceeded her in death, along with her fa-
ther Fred.
She leaves behind: Her mother, Jennie and her surviving siblings Tremont, Julie, and
Charlie Sturkey.
She leaves behind to carry on her legacy, her three sons Shawn, Jerome, and Roose-
velt Sturkey along with their wives, Lolita, Christy, and Antonio. She leaves two beau-
tiful granddaughters Kristin Peterson-Thomas and Giovanna (Gigi) Sturkey. As well
as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more.
Mama devoted her life to her children and community. She became a member of the
Order of Eastern Stars; she opened Care Communications Center and served her
community until she could no longer do so. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her
family and friends. No matter who you were Mama would always feed you. She prid-
ed herself on her perfection in the kitchen.
Mama lived a full life her way, she loved hard and held you accountable. It was her
courage and unconditional love for her children that was so amazing to witness. Dur-
ing her many health battles throughout her life, know she ALWAYS defied the odds.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
To My Sons:
“Weep not for me though I have gone,
into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long.
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love, I was so blessed,
for all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not.
The fear is now all gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath.
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death.
But celebrate my life.”
~ Unknown
I want to tell you today about Mama…
Have you ever tried her caramel cake? If you said no, well then,
I am sorry you have never had caramel cake.
She was famous for her caramel cake; but it was the dash of love, pinch of
courage, and a tablespoon of strength that made every bite special.
Mama was 4 feet 10 inches, but she stood 7 feet tall; now she would be upset at
me for telling her exact height.
Mama lit up the room with her smile, the sway of her hips told you she meant
business, and her sweet perfume was like no other.
For those she loved if you called her, you knew she was coming! Mama made it
her business to protect her children and family. In her words, “the quickest way
to get to hell with me, mess with my children or my money.”
As we sit here as family and friends, I want you to understand Mama was a gift
to us all. Her uniqueness will never grace this earth again. Mama was a force to
be reckoned with, when she had that “get your stuff together”
conversation with any of us, we listened.
The impact Mama left on so many lives in her short 71 years is immeasurable,
we all can hear her now: “Common sense ain’t so common.”
“God always sends somebody.”
“I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me.”
“Keep it (the business) in the family.”
“What’s from the heart reach the heart.”
Mama shared her wisdom and advice with so many and it still rings true today.
You must respect, Mama lived her life, her way, and whether you agreed with
her methods or not, they were her methods.
Shawn, Jerome, and Roosevelt may the unconditional and undying love Mama
always had for each of you cover you forever.
Mama, may I salute you? It was truly an honor and pleasure to know you.
OPENING SENTENCES
Musical Prelude - “My God Called Me This Morning” ........................ Fairfield Four
Processional .................................................. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw and Family
Prayer .................................................................................... Earl Washington
Scripture Reading ........................................................... Pastor Wayne Wardlow
Musical Selections ...........................................................................................
“Jesus on the Mainline”& “ Sadie” ...............................................................
“Sail On” ....................................................... Lionel Richie and Tim McGraw
Obituary Reading and Tribute .............. Christy Sturkey on behalf of Shawn Sturkey
Eulogy and Sermon .................................................. Dr. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw
Brief Informal Tributes ........................................................... Family and Friends
Thank You and Acknowledgments ........ Christy Sturkey on behalf of Sturkey Family
Final Viewing and Music Selections .......................................... Family and Friends
“A Song for Mama” .................................................................. Boyz II Men
“Dance with my Father” ...................................................... Luther Vandross
Closing and Final Music Selection ..................................... Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw
“Gangsta Lean” ........................................................................................
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Rev. Napoleon Wordlaw, Officiating
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3
I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13