Elder Corine Illery Bligen, widow of the late Reverend Dr. Robert E. Bligen Jr., was the daughter of the late Elder William and Winnie Illery and the step-daughter of Elder Tena Louise Frierson Illery. She was born February 8, 1932. Elder Bligen departed this life on Sunday August 21, 2016 after a lengthy illness.
A native of Sumter, SC. She received a B.S. degree from Morris College in Sumter, SC., a Special Education Degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC., a Masters in Education Studies from South Carolina State College (now University) in Orangeburg, SC., and many additional hours of continuing education at Francis Marion College (now University) in Florence, SC., and at the University of South Carolina in Sumter, SC.
She is the recipient of numerous awards, citations, plaques, trophies and certificates for outstanding supportive services rendered to schools and communities in Clarendon, Lee, Richland, and Sumter counties including, but not limited to:
• The Walker E. Solomon Human Relations Award
• The Women of Excellence Award (inaugural class)
• The Golden Poet Award
• Who's Who in Poetry and
• Outstanding Teachers of America
She had a gift and love of teaching. She served as a regular education classroom teacher, Diagnostic Prescriptive Teacher, and Resource Specialist in Lee and Sumter County public schools. Upon retirement, she continued to shape young minds in the private school sector at various church and parish preschools throughout Sumter. She also tutored student at her home.
She was a member f the South Carolina Education Association, National Education Association, Lee County Education Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Council of Negro Women, the Council for Exception Children, the Morris College Alumni Council, the Sumter Music and Art Guilds, the Sumter Poetry Club, the International Society of Poets, the King Celebration Committee, the National education Association for Retired Educators.
She was a member of the Sumter Second Presbyterian Church (USA), the Presbyterian Women and the Willing Workers Organization. She attended Presbyterian Lay School and was a Lay Minister. She also continued her mission of empowering through education by serving as a Sunday School teacher and Community Bible Study Teacher at Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She also served many years as a Girl Scout Leader.
She has made contributions to school annuals, souvenir books, family reunion books, church anniversary booklets, "The Selected Works of the Ear and the Earring" published by the Sumter Poetry Club, "World of Poetry Anthologies" and "Great Poems of Today." She is the author of the book "Expressions from my Heart" a book of many of her poems.
She has been invited as a guest poet, workshop leader and keynote speaker for many services, workshops and retreats. She wrote not as a writer but as an INSPIRED writer. She wished each word written would touch the heart of the reader and inspire others to document the words that flow through their minds. -She leaves to cherish her memories and outstanding legacy: Her daughter Dr. Alphene Bligen-Holland of the home and Julia Nelson Grant of Adams Run, SC; one dear sister Esther Illery Charles; fourteen grandchildren, Carlton W. Holland, Myles A. Holland, Julian I. Holland, Sterling R. Holland, Brodrick A. Holland, Bryce X. Holland, Latrice Gathers, Monique Nelson, Anthony Grant, Mecole Martinez, Pamela Magwood and Naomi McQuillar; 15 great grand children and 7 great, great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, godchildren and other family/friends, Verdonna Davis and Sharon McQuillar.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Albertha "Sing" Illery Jackson, William Illery, Samuel Illery, Edward Illery, and Nora Illery English; one son-in-Law Pastor James Grant, Sr.; two grandsons Barry James Grant and James Grant, Jr.; one great grandson.
We thank God immensely for the privilege to know and love her. She will forever be remembered for her generous spirit, wise truth, maverick vision, unique perspective and incredible gifts and talents. There will be no other like her.
The Closed Casket will repose in the parlor of Job's Mortuary on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 3-6pm and in the church on Friday August 26, 2016 an hour before the service.
Funeral Services will be held on Fri. August 26, 2016 at 2pm at Second Presbyterian Church (USA) 1125 Old Pocalla Road with Dr. Ella Busby, Moderator, Officiating.
Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
Per Elder Corine Bligen request, NO FLOWERS PLEASE- In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Reverend Dr. Robert E. and Corine I. Bligen, Jr. Community Scholarship Fund c/o Second Presbyterian Church (USA) 1125 Old Pocalla Road, Sumter, SC. 29150