Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC

Obituary For Corine Cabaniss

Corine McDowell Cabaniss was born in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to Bob McDowell and Edna McAfee McDowell on May 6, 1916. She was blessed with five siblings (Pauline, Lorine, Matthew, Mary Ellen, and Sara Lee). She came into this world when the twentieth century was still in its youth, and she witnessed nearly all the incredible changes and developments that have come to this nation from that time into the twenty first century.

She was educated at Green Bethel School and joined Green Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. She joined Shiloh Baptist Church in 1950 and served in the following capacities: Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Youth and Children's Choir Director, Mission Department Leader, BTU Director, Vacation Bible School Teacher and Deaconess.

She was married to the late Paul Cabaniss. They became the guardians of Ronald Harrill when he was 5 1/2 years old during his first year of school. She truly thanked God for blessing her family with Ronald who brought her much joy. Ronald's marriage to Denise Dillingham Harrill brought added blessings of grandchildren: Kenyon, Aaron and Nathan.

She worked various positions to support her family. She came from the farm in 1938 and secured her first job in Shelby with the Cohen family and worked in their home for 20 years. She became Shelby’s first black salesclerk when she began working at Cohen's Department Store during 1959 where she was employed for 13 years. She was also employed at King's Department Store, Roses' Store and retired from Goodwill at the age of 92. Altogether, her work record included 70 years of regular employment.

She was able to maintain and drive her own car until the age of 99 ½ years of age.

Shiloh Baptist Church family honored her with a 100-yearbirthday celebration with family, friends and wonderful memories of her long lifetime in May 2016.

She received numerous awards and recognition for her dedicated community service. She served continuously in the NAACP and served on the City of Shelby Human Relations Council.

In 1959 she was chosen Woman of the Year by the Shelby Negro Woman’s Club.

In May 1984, she was crowned Cleveland County’s Ms Senior Citizen.

On the afternoon of November 25, 2019, the Lord called her home after a span of 103 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and all five siblings.

She is survived by one son Ronald Harrill, daughter in law Denise Harrill and three grandchildren, Kenyon Mauney, Aaron Harrill and Nathan Harrill; one step-daughter, Gail Alexander and her children and grandchildren; two nephews, Kenneth Phillips and Melvin Phillips; the entire Cabaniss, Edwards and Roberts families; an extended family member, Anita Cohen Grey and a host of additional nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jamaal Edwards officiating. Burial will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the church on Friday. Due to the holiday, the family will also receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel and additional times at her home, 824 Fredrick St. Shelby throughout the day on Wednesday.

Guest Book

Papa Cabaniss, Warren Christopher & the Cabaniss Family: Our deepest condolences to you during your time of sorrow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Know that you now have a very special angel watching over you. Wishing You God's Peace,Love & Blessings, Zavier Austin, Saphronia Austin & Family Throne of Grace Church Charlotte, NC

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Mrs. Corine Cabaniss ("Ms. Corine"), it seems has always, always been a part of our lives. We, the John and Hilda Wilson Family, have known her, forever. We were members of Shiloh Baptist Church where we saw and engaged with her every Sunday. She taught us in Sunday School, directed us (along with Mrs. Dorothy Turner and Ms. M.L. Roberts) in the Frances Davidson Chorus, and seemed to be ever-present in our lives. She was connected to our family in that our Aunt Nevada Wilson was her mom's sister, and, her husband Paul was our cousin. I especially remember her because she helped me get my first job one Christmas working in the gift-wrapping department at Cohen's Department Store. Ms. Corine will always be memorable because she was always "here" or "there" or wherever she was needed. We all will miss her so much but hope to see her again in eternity. May God ever bless and keep you, her family, as you mourn the loss of your beloved one. Beverly Wilson Gaines 11/28/19 Conyers, Georgia

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Sending Love and Prayers to all. Mother Cabiness was a true Mother of Zion to many. We will miss her knowledge and all that she contributed to Cleveland County! I will attend the Viewing but regret that I will not be able to attend the Service as it will be a GREAT HOMECOMING TRIBUTE TO HER LIFE AND LEGACY!! BISHOP SHARON MARTIN- ROSE OF SHARON OUTREACH MINISTRIES.

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The Staff of Hospice Cleveland County sends Love and Condolences. Thank you for trusting us to take care of your Mother in her last and final blessed days!! Sharon Martin- Community Outreach Coordinator- Hospice Cleveland County!!

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To the family, God bless you in your sorrow, may the thought of someday rejoicing with your loved one bring you comfort. May the love of those who remain with you give you peace. David Pettyjohn

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Enloe Mortuary