Portsmouth funeral director, ex-councilman Corprew dies

Posted to: News Obituaries Portsmouth

By Jen McCaffery
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 27, 2008

PORTSMOUTH

E.G. "Tip" Corprew, a former city councilman and funeral director, knew most of the people he buried personally.

When he conducted a service at Corprew Funeral Home for those he knew well, he'd sit right up front, longtime friend James Overton said.

"Funeral service was his ministry," said Corprew's wife, Beverly. "It was just being there and being able to help other people."

Corprew died Sunday. He was 67.

He grew up in the family-owned business with his parents and uncle. It has catered to the black community since 1918.

The well-known community leader helped make history in Portsmouth when he was elected to the City Council in 1984 with James Holley and Louise Lucas, creating the first black majority on the council.

He served on the City Council from 1984 to 1992, as vice mayor for the last two years.

During that time, Corprew opposed the closing of the former I.C. Norcom High School and helped develop plans that started Portsmouth's renaissance.

In 1992, incumbent mayor Gloria Webb defeated Corprew in a race for that post.

Jen McCaffery, (757) 446-2627, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com

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Mr. Corprew:

Submitted by Rerun50 on Sun, 08/31/2008 at 7:40 pm.

Mr. Corprew helped my family in the lost of our parents. He made our grief, a little easier to bear. He was definitely a major pillar, of the community, and will be solely missed. To the Corprew family, I say. You are not along, our prayers are with you. May our Heavenly Father bless and keep you, through your time of grief.

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