Coreen Janet Small

The Obituary A Legacy of Love Coreen Janet Small, (nee Campbell) the wife of the late Norman E (Chuck) Small Sr., truly left a legacy of love, departing this life on September 10, 2024 from her home in Twin Oaks, PA. Coreen was the 3rd of seven children born in Chester, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1928 to the late Chauncey Sr. and Trindy (nee Sirmans) Campbell. God was faithful and came for her as she rested peacefully in the comfort of her home, with her children at her bedside bidding her farewell and thanking the Lord for her life and love. Faith Coreen often recalled how her parents kept her and her siblings in Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, PA, ensuring they remained active in Sunday School and Bible study. She would later raise her children in the same manner. It was at Calvary that she professed faith in the Lord Jesus as her personal savior, and was baptized by the late Pastor Rev. J. Pius Barbour. She loved attending church and participating in other youth activities. During one of his outreach visits, Pastor D. D. Richardson (1st pastor of Mt. Pleasant) stopped by the Small family household. Coreen recalled that he said to her “Daughter you ought to be in church”. She agreed with him and soon she and her children began attending Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Coreen was a Mt. Pleasant member for over 70 years, and was the oldest female living member of the church at the time of her passing. She sang in the Mass and Sanctuary Church Choirs, a member of the Missionaries, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Wednesday afternoon Bible Study, and the Senior Craft and Caregiver Ministry. She was faithful in God’s word as she grew in grace and the knowledge of Him. As she learned from the older women in the church she trained the younger women how to “love their husbands and children” (Titus 2:4) Coreen loved the Lord. She took time to be in His presence by spending hours in worship, praise, prayer and reading the Word of God. Her morning devotion usually began with praise and worship songs, especially her favorites by the late Dr. Gilbert Patterson “Take me Through, Dear Lord, Take Me Through” and God Leads His Dear Children Along”. Her Praise and Worship also included a message from the In Touch Devotional by the late Dr. Charles Stanley whom she loved to hear preach on Sunday evenings. Throughout the day, she sang along with Jimmy Swaggart and his singers. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 46:10 “Be Still and Know that I am God” Deacon and Deaconess Doyle wrapped their arms around her and were faithful in their love and care for her. She loved their attention and delicious cakes. Family and Friends Growing up in the Flower Hill section of Chester, friends, Isabel and Scotty managed to connect Coreen and Norman (Chuck) Small. Chuck was eventually permitted to visit the Campbell household and began courting Coreen. He made sure to bring ice-cream for the family when he came to visit which endeared him to the family. They fell in love and were married September 18, 1948. Their union continued for 56 years until his passing in 2004. The beautiful union included several special anniversary celebrations including their children’s gift of a chauffeur-driven departure from their home enroute to Niagara Falls for their fiftieth Anniversary vacation. Seven children were born to this union, Janet Elizabeth,(Gerald)deceased, Trindy Viola, Norman Ernest Jr. Butchie, (deceased) Tyrone Martin, Dawn and Jocelyn (deceased at birth). The birth of a healthy baby girl, Gail Melanie brought joy and demonstrated God’s faithfulness. She was also blessed to have two step-daughters whom she loved, Norma Wilson nee Small (Deceased) and Helen Rainey nee Bruton. School and Career She was a graduate of Chester High School class of 1946. During her school days she developed close friends which continued throughout her adult life. One dear friend of Coreen and her sister, Ethel was Marie Carson, who became their “adopted sister” and spent more time at their home than anywhere else. Following high school graduation, Coreen worked diligently at several jobs. These included a local laundromat, a grocery store, and a mushroom factory in Kennett Square. She left working after she married and began raising children. Once her children enrolled in elementary school she returned to work and was employed by the Scott Paper Company for ten years at its former factory in Eddystone. She also worked in the Mt. Pleasant Church office, and spent several years working in the Day Care Center, nurturing and loving on the young children. Community As an active member of the Twin Oaks Civic Association, Coreen demonstrated her love for her community as she worked side by side with others to make it better and seek improvements that would benefit everyone, and make Twin Oaks safer. She acknowledged that although “We did not have a whole army, but just six of us, we worked together and took turns attending Civic Meetings in Media Pennsylvania. Coreen also assisted with starting the “Young Girls Club” with neighborhood girls and loved to keep them busy and culturally informed. She was a member of the “winning Flower Hill Softball Team which included her sister and several cousins. She also enjoyed participating in Campbell, Small-Pryor and Twin Oaks Reunions. She loved participating in the “Special Twin Oaks” mother’s intercessory prayer group. Accomplishments Coreen was amazed to have her book “Rusty Family Reunion” officially published in 2022 although it was written many years prior. The book is still available on line. Proclamation received from Upper Chichester Twp on her 93 birthday recognizing her as the oldest living member of the Twin Oaks Village. Traditions: Family Birthday Parties Cook-outs Holidays Fish on Friday Church on Sunday Baking Bread-Famous /Rolls Walking for Exercise Crocheting Family Vacations Mentorship Loving Legacy: Deceased: husband, Norman E. Small,Sr., son Norman E. Small, Jr. daughters Gail M. King, Norma Small Wilson, grandson Samuel S. King, granddaughter, Dawn Small-Taylor, sister Ethel Carroll, brothers: Chauncey Campbell,Sr., Herbert Campbell, Roy Campbell, Theodore Campbell and Robert Campbell. Living: Daughters, Janet E. Brown,(Gerald, deceased) Trindy S. Grundy (Geoffrey) Helen Rainey, son, Tyrone M. Small (Edythe). Grandchildren: Joseph Harvey, Jr.(Patty), Corrine Laster (Reginald), Gregory A. Posey, Jr. (Lanette), Gamaliel A. Posey, Sr. (Merriann), Gabriel A. Posey, Kyera Stewart, Jessica Kervick (Joshua), Michael Small, Craig Rainey and Eleven Great Grandchildren. Sister in love Helen Pryor, brother in love, Robert Pryor. Special adopted granddaughters Melanie Baldwin and Kim Baldwin-Norment, special son and daughter Kevin & Lucille Byrd, Special nephew and niece Fred & Marcella Hamilton, a host of special nephews, nieces cousins, daughters sons and friends.

Coreen Janet Small

July 20, 1928 - September 10, 2024