Corine Dean-Hubert
(September 29, 1917 – February 21, 2016)
Sarah Corine Walden Dean-Hubert was born in Youngstown, Florida, September 29, 1917 to Henry and Maggie Walden. Corine was only nine months old when her mother, Maggie, died in New Jersey from the flu that was raging in the country.
Father, Henry, moved to Logan, West Virginia where he married Eva Lane, and Corine’s brother, Joseph was born. This union did not last very long, and when Corine was four years old, Henry and Corine moved to Detroit, Michigan.
Corine was seven years old when her father married Bessie Copeland. Corine loved her stepmother dearly and credited the fine, talented lady she became to Mother Bessie; especially her musical talents and abilities.
Corine was educated in the Detroit public schools system including the Northern High School, Detroit Conservatory of Music, Detroit Institute of Musical Arts, Lewis Business College, Wayne County Community College, and Wayne State University.
She was baptized at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church when she was seven years old, and worked tirelessly in the Sunday School and Missionary Society. She also played the piano for several choirs, and directed the Youth Choir.
In 1934, she married the late Raymond Dean, from this union a lovely daughter, Joyce Evelyn was born. Joyce was always a great ‘Joy’ to them. This beautiful marriage lasted more than 45 years.
When Joyce became an adult, Corine and Raymond joined St. Marks Presbyterian Church, which later merged as Hope Presbyterian Church in Detroit, Michigan. At this church, Corine sang in the Chancel Choir and served as Assistant Organist.
Raymond preceded Corine in death in 1981.
While in Detroit, Corine was active in the following Civic and Community organizations: Manor Avenue Block Club Association; Life Member, National Council of Negro Women; Life Member, NAACP; and Founder and Past National President of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority. She has also held many offices, national and local in Tau Gamma Delta Sorority.
Corine was employed for many years in the Department of Education of the Detroit Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and worked as Placement Director for International Personnel for the organization. She also worked more that fifteen years as an Adult Education Instructor for the Detroit Board of Education, and retired in 1986. In Michigan, Corine received such honors as: the First Miss Birdhurst Queen and Celeste Cole Opera Workshop Queen at Wayne State University.
In 1986, Corine married Presiding Elder James M. Hubert and moved to New England. As a minister’s wife, she continued to use her gifts and talents as organist, pianist, and public speaker. Corine had many engagements as a motivational speaker in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and throughout New England.
Corine joined Archer AME Zion Church where her husband served as Pastor. She was a loving helpmate. Many youth and adults lovingly call her, “Mother Hubert.” Later, they transferred from Archer AME Zion Church to Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Hartford, Connecticut. There, she was an active member of the Chancel Choir until her knee surgery. She was also a member of the Carrie T. Wilson Missionary Society until it was disbanded. Other affiliations in the New England area included: Member of the Interdenominational Minister’s Wives and Widows Association; Member of the A.M.E. Zion Spouses and Widows Association, serving as Hartford District A.M.E. Zion Representative for ten years; Life Member of the NAACP; and served on the Executive Board of the Chateau Wood Condo Complex for six years.
Presiding Elder James M. Hubert preceded Corine in death in 1996.
Corine joined Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2011, under the Pastorate of Rev. Dr. Richard O. McEachern, and was an active member until her health no longer permitted her to attend. She did, however, continue to support the church through her prayers and with her financial contributions until her death.
Corine has travelled extensively; visiting Africa, Europe, South America, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, the Holy Land, and several Caribbean Islands. She was also an ardent fan of the theater, loving a good musical. Corine liked a challenging game of Scrabble and was rarely defeated.
Corine leaves behind a rich legacy. She has profoundly touched many lives and her influence will extend to generations not yet born. God richly blessed her with many gifts and attributes that she generously shared with so many; going beyond the second mile giving so richly of her time, talents, and finances.
Corine is survived by her loving, dedicated daughter, Joyce Evelyn Woods (Johnnie); Granddaughters, Desiree Corynn Randall (Andre) and Cheri Catherin Thomas (Bart); Great-Grandchildren, Cheri Rae Randall, Andrea Yvette Randall, Desiree Corynn Foley (Malcome), and Bart Timberlin Thomas, II; Brother, Joseph Sidney Walden; Nephews, Mark Walden (Eli) and Michael Walden (Jackelynn); Step Daughter, Jacqueline Hubert; Surrogate Children, Allen and Hazel Smalls; Surrogate Grandchild, Tashika McCalla; Sisters of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.
